On September 9, China Merchants Heavy Industries Haimen shipyard (CMHI Haimen shipyard) delivered the seventh Infinity series polar expedition cruise ship, the Douglas Mawson, to SunStone Ships, an expedition cruise operator affiliated with SunStone Maritime Group.
The vessel is the third Infinity-class ship to join Aurora Expeditions’ fleet, following the Greg Mortimer and Sylvia Earle. It is named in honor of Sir Douglas Mawson, the renowned Australian geologist and pioneering Antarctic explorer.
Designed through a multinational collaboration, the Douglas Mawson incorporates naval architecture from Norway’s Ulstein, interior design by Sweden-born Tomas Tillberg’s U.S. firm, and outfitting by Finland’s Makinen, all constructed at the Chinese shipyard CMHI. The series has been widely recognized for its innovation, receiving accolades from Cruise Critic, Forbes, and the Magellan Awards.
The Douglas Mawson commenced construction on December 12, 2023, and was launched in early December 2024. As the final vessel in the Infinity series of polar expedition cruise ships, its research findings are regarded as cornerstones of polar scientific exploration.
With a length of 104.4 meters, beam of 18.4 meters, and draft of 5.3 meters, the vessel accommodates up to 170 passengers and 102 crew. It holds Ice Class 1A and Polar Class 6 certifications, enabling worldwide operation from polar to tropical itineraries.
Notable technical features include Ulstein’s X-Bow® design, Safe Return to Port compliance, virtual anchoring, and zero-speed stabilizers. Passenger amenities comprise a swimming pool, multiple bars and restaurants, lounges, a boutique, gym, spa, and sauna.
Carsten Lund, CEO of SunStone, remarked: “We are very pleased with the performance of our Infinity Class and proud to have delivered seven of these advanced vessels to the expedition market. Congratulations to Aurora Expeditions on their third Infinity.”