Aurora
Expeditions celebrated the naming of its newest expedition ship, the Douglas
Mawson in Sydney Harbor on December 1, 2025.
Emma McEwin, great-granddaughter of the legendary Arctic
explorer Sir Douglas Mawson, officially named the vessel by breaking ice across the bow in lieu of
traditional champagne, in a nod to the company’s polar heritage and commitment
to sustainability and innovation.
“To christen this remarkable ship in my great-grandfather’s
name is an immense honor,” said McEwin in a statement. “The Douglas Mawson
carries forward his legacy of courage, science and wonder, exploring the world
with the same respect for nature and curiosity that defined his life.”
Aurora Expeditions founder Greg Mortimer who attended the
event added, “Replacing champagne with ice was a deliberate and powerful choice.
It reflects who we are - explorers of the polar regions, advocates for our
planet and proud custodians of Australia’s legacy of adventure. The Douglas
Mawson embodies everything Aurora stands for – pioneering spirit, respect for
the natural world and a drive to explore responsibly.”
As a company leading the world in small-ship exploration for
35 years, the addition of the Douglas Mawson was purpose-built for adventure,
featuring a groundbreaking X-BOW hull for smoother and more efficient voyages along
with advanced sustainability technologies such as fuel-efficient
diesel-electric propulsion and waste-heat recovery systems.
Guests onboard will discover panoramic lounges, expansive
observation decks, a two-story atrium and a dedicated Citizen Science Center allowing
for participation in live research and environmental monitoring, blending
exploration and conservation.
The Douglas Mawson departed for Hobart, Tasmania post-ceremony
for her inaugural voyage, a 10-night circumnavigation led by environment
scientist and adventures Tim Jarvis AM renowned for re-enacting Mawson’s and Shackelton’s
Antarctic expeditions. The ship will continue to Antarctica and the
Sub-Antarctic islands, followed by northern Europe and the Arctic.
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