Aurora Expeditions will name its second purpose-built expedition ship after the acclaimed marine biologist and oceanographer, Dr Sylvia Earle.
The new ship honours Sylvia as an accomplished marine biologist, oceanographer and explorer; the first woman to become chief scientist of the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and named by Time Magazine as its first Hero for the Planet in 1998. The vessel pays tribute to Sylvia's long-standing conservation efforts for marine protected areas and ocean wildlife.
Built to world-class polar standards, Sylvia Earle will launch in October 2021 in Ushuaia, Argentina. As part of its commitment to responsible travel, the expedition company will continue to name its new ships after explorers who are passionate about their environmental commitment and who share the company's vision for the future.
Aurora's ships boast the lowest polluting marine engines in the world, due to a combination of low energy consumption, high fuel-efficiency and a streamlined design. The Tier 3 engine delivers an 80% reduction in emissions and can utilise virtual anchoring to hold its position instead of dropping an anchor on the delicate sea floor.
On-board desalination plants convert seawater to fresh water that is safe to drink. Ships, therefore, carry less freshwater on sea crossings, further reducing fuel consumption.
Activities will play a major part in the passenger experience ? with expert-led kayak expeditions, polar ski touring, climbing, snowshoeing, hiking and exploration by Zodiac.
In addition to a line-up of expedition guides, there are plans for marine researchers, scientists and conservationists to join the expedition team on board, Sylvia Earle.
Dr Sylvia Earle said: ?97% of Earth's water is ocean. It is our life support system and we need to learn everything we can about it. I see great synergy in working closely with a company that shares my vision for the future and which is, from the top down, passionate about the marine environment. Through travelling with Aurora Expeditions on the Sylvia Earle, I feel it is an incredible opportunity for people to learn about these marine habitats in situ, and as a result, become ambassadors for protecting them.?
Robert Halfpenny, managing director of the cruise company added: ?We are proud to be working with Sylvia on plans for the new ship. Our ships are designed primarily to connect people with the environment and everything Sylvia does encapsulates what lies at the core of Aurora Expeditions own beliefs and practices.
?In keeping with Sylvia's own vision and achievements, Sylvia Earle will have a large focus on marine education and conservation.?
The 126-passenger ship will be the second in the fleet to sail with the ULSTEIN X-BOW, whose inverted bow design, in combination with Rolls Royce dynamic stabilisers offers unrivalled stability and comfort1 on ocean crossings. The Ulstein X-BOW cuts through the swell, minimising vibrations and disturbances, and makes quicker transits through waves, thereby reducing fuel consumption.
For more information visit www.auroraexpeditions.com.au
