THE THIRD expedition cruise ship to be operated by Sydney’s Aurora, Douglas Mawson, finalised sea trials in Chinese waters late last week after completion by China Merchants Heavy Industry in Hainan.
The ship was launched in November 2024, for SunStone Maritime Group A/S of Denmark, parent of US expedition cruise vessel tonnage provider SunStone Ships and is the seventh and final of the company’s Infinity-class vessels.
With a maximum capacity of up to 154 passengers (130 on expedition cruises) and 102 crew, the 104.4-metre Douglas Mawson features advanced safety systems, energy-efficient operations, and eco-friendly technologies designed to minimize environmental impact.
Built with Ulstein’s revolutionary X-Bow® design, the vessel is Ice Class 1A and Polar Class 6, ensuring safe and efficient operations in some of the world’s most challenging environments, SunStone says. Key features include Safe Return to Port, Dynamic Positioning, and zero-speed stabilizers, enhancing both safety and comfort.
“The ship provides an exclusive yet spacious experience, offering amenities such as a swimming pool, bar, restaurants, lounges, a library, gym, and spa. This blend of intimate luxury and robust capability ensures immersive adventures for passengers exploring remote destinations,” the company says.
Douglas Mawson is the third, improved sistership to be operated by Aurora Expeditions, which was established in 1991 by adventurers Greg and Margaret Mortimer, with the company name taken from Australian Antarctic explorer Sir Douglas Mawson’s own ship. The first of the purpose-built trio, Greg Mortimer, was delivered in 2019 and the second, named Sylvia Earle after the US marine biologist and oceanographer, followed in 2022.
Aurora Expeditions has won multiple awards, including ‘World’s Leading Polar Operator’ and ‘World’s Best Expedition Cruise Line’. It is certified 100% carbon neutral and last year hosted the inaugural Antarctic Climate Expedition (ACE).
Aurora lists Douglas Mawson’s inaugural voyage as a 10-day Tasmanian wilderness coastal cruise from Hobart, 1-11 December 2025.