SH Minerva, flagship of the Swan Hellenic fleet, will re-enter service in November 2025.
The vessel was built in late 2021 by Helsinki Shipyard OY and chartered by Swan Hellenic. Upon delivery, she was owned by Irish-based STLC Europe Nine Leasing Ltd. It was a subsidiary of Russian-linked GTLK Europe DAC.
In early 2022, SH Minerva was caught up in UK, EU and US sanctions. Those sanctions targeted GTLK Europe DAC. It was, at the time, controlled by the Russian state-owned leasing giant PAO GTLK.
SH Minerva was laid up in Fray Bentos, Uruguay, pending legal developments and asset control decisions.
In May 2023, GTLK Europe DAC entered liquidation by order of the Irish High Court. Liquidators took control of GTLK Europe DAC and all subsidiaries. Including STLC Europe Nine Leasing Ltd. They ensured the sale of SH Minerva complied fully with all relevant international sanctions. Following prolonged negotiations, Swan Hellenic then re-acquired SH Minerva in July 2025 using shareholder funds.
Full working order
Throughout the lay-up period the ship has been kept in full working and service order. Key crew members had remained on board during this period of non-activity. The ship’s return to service has been a meticulously planned operation phased over many months. This ensured the company could, with all due diligence, select the remaining crew and deliver the vessel safely out of lay-up and into service so quickly.
Asia-Pacific
Now refitted, she will resume polar operations sailing for the Antarctic in November 2025. She will join sister ships SH Vega and SH Diana in Ushuaia for the 2025–2026 Antarctic season. Then in March 2026, she will lead Swan Hellenic’s first foray into the Asia-Pacific region.
This new itinerary will expand the brand’s cultural expedition cruises across the region. Destinations include Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Raja Ampat, Indonesia, Philippines and Japan. Highlights will feature WWII sites, wildlife encounters, anthropology, ancient rituals, and water sports.
“We’re delighted to welcome back our flagship,” said CEO Andrea Zito. “She symbolises Swan Hellenic’s rebirth and global reach across every ocean and continent.”.