Aurora Expeditions’ Douglas Mawson has successfully completed her sea trials in China.
The tests were completed from 26 June to 02 July, testing the 154-passenger ship’s key systems, including propulsion, navigation, and safety, confirming the vessel’s readiness.
The upcoming third ship in the Aurora fleet will soon embark on her highly anticipated inaugural voyages, once she is delivered in September.
Onboard features include state-of-the-art amenities, a lecture theatre, a science centre, a heated outdoor pool, multiple dining venues, and dedicated mudroom facilities.
“Sea trials are one of the most important steps in bringing a ship to life,” Chief Executive Officer Michael Heath said.
“We’re thrilled with the results and can’t wait to welcome our expeditioners aboard Douglas Mawson for her inaugural voyages later this year.”
Douglas Mawson will sail on her first cruise in December, exploring Tasmania’s rugged coastline.
This will be followed by the ship’s inaugural Antarctic season with ‘Mawson’s Antarctica’, tracing the footsteps of the ship’s namesake geologist-explorer,
This will then be followed by the remainder of the ship’s 2025/26 Antarctica season.
Douglas Mawson features the distinctive Ulstein X-BOW, and a suite of sustainable features designed for maximum efficiency and minimal impact.
Aurora also operates two other Infinity-class vessels, the 2019-built Greg Mortimer and the 2022-built Sylvia Earle.
