Greg Mortimer

Ship history

2018, 16 March: Steel cutting ceremony
2018, 12 June: Keel laying ceremony
2019, 12 March: Launching ceremony
2019, July: Sea trial
2019, 6 September: Delivery ceremony - The polar adventure cruise company Aurora Expeditions named its first purpose-built, ice-class expedition ship 'Greg Mortimer' in honour of the company’s founder in a combined naming and delivery ceremony at the CMHI Haimen base
2019, 30 October: Naming
2019, 31 October: Maiden voyage

The 'Greg Mortimer' operates in Antarctica and the European Arctic. The expedition vessel, ordered by US-based company SunStone Ships at China Merchant Industry Holdings, is the first to use Ulstein Group’s X-BOW® hull design, which has a tapered fore ship shape so it can pierce waves of all heights. This reduces pitching and bow impact loads in rough seas, preventing the vessel from rising on the waves and dropping heavily onto the water’s surface as it would with a traditional bulbous bow. It also takes less fuel for the vessel to cut through the waves, reducing fuel costs and energy use.

It's not just the X-BOW® that makes this ship stand out from the rest of the Aurora Expeditions fleet. Here are some other features to look out for:

• State-of-the-art lecture rooms for informative talks and briefings
• Restaurant and bar serving delicious daily menus
  
• Relaxed staterooms ranging from porthole to balcony categories

Wildlife observations

Several observation areas offer a range of views out to the spectacular panoramic scenery. Also, the vessel features unique hydraulic viewing platforms, which are folding out to bring the passengers closer to the passing marine life and seabirds.

Excursions made easy

Other highlights include a custom-designed platform for kayakers and divers, a dedicated sea-level craft loading platform which makes loading and unloading easier than ever, and a changing room/mudroom for storing outdoor clothing and gumboots after an adventure. Side ports located on the port and starboard sides of the vessel facilitate the loading and offloading of four inflatable crafts at the same time. A boarding area offers quick and safe access to the kayaks.

Environment

The Greg Mortimer has one of the lowest polluting marine engines in the world due to low energy consumption, high fuel-efficiency and a streamlined design to deliver an 80% reduction in emissions compared to Tier 1 engines.
The ship can also utilise virtual anchoring to hold its position using a combination of GPS, steering technology, propellers and thrusters. This protects the sea floor and minimises the damage caused by conventional anchors.

The passengers will be able to also enjoy a number of activities during the voyage, using the ship as their base. This includes:

• Sea kayaking
• Diving and snorkelling
• Snowshoeing
• Ski touring
• Climbing
• South Georgia alpine crossing
• Camping
• Photography workshops