Greg Mortimer in the Antarctica, photo Peter Szyszka.

Greg Mortimer

The 104-metre expedition cruise ship has been built to Polar Class 6 standards, with 77 passenger cabins with private bathrooms and balconies. The facilities include a restaurant and bar, a lecture room, a lounge, a 180-degree indoor observation deck, outdoor viewing areas, a gymnasium, sauna and spa.

Owned By
SunStone Ships Inc
Built By
Partner yard
Year
2019
IMO Number
9834648
Operated By
Aurora Expeditions

Primary Specifications

Length
104.4 m
Beam
18.4 m
Draught (max)
5.3 m
Speed (max)
15.5 kn
Accommodation
160 PAX
Accommodation
254 POB

Additional Data

DWT approx (draught 5.1m)
1,000
DWT approx (draught 5.3 m)
1,450
Note: Specifications may have changed since the original completion date.
Classifications: PolarClass6, ICE1A*, PassengerShip, POLARCAT-B, +HULL, +MACH, INWATERSURVEY, Comf-Noise-Pax1, Comf-Noise-Crew3, CLEANSHIP, AUT-UMS, MON-SHAFT, LI-HG-S2, SEEMP, UnrestrictedNavigation, SRP

Ship history

Milestones

2018, 16 March: Steel cutting ceremony
2018, 12 June: Keel laying ceremony
2019, 12 March: Launching ceremony
2019, July: Sea trial
2019, 6 September: Delivery ceremony - The polar adventure cruise company Aurora Expeditions named its first purpose-built, ice-class expedition ship 'Greg Mortimer' in honour of the company?s founder in a combined naming and delivery ceremony at the CMHI Haimen base
2019, 30 October: Naming
2019, 31 October: Maiden voyage
2023: Still active - IMO 9834648

The 'Greg Mortimer' operates in Antarctica and the European Arctic. The expedition vessel, ordered by US-based company SunStone Ships at China Merchant Industry Holdings, is the first to use Ulstein Group?s X-BOW® hull design, which has a tapered fore ship shape so it can pierce waves of all heights. This reduces pitching and bow impact loads in rough seas, preventing the vessel from rising on the waves and dropping heavily onto the water?s surface as it would with a traditional bulbous bow. It also takes less fuel for the vessel to cut through the waves, reducing fuel costs and energy use.

It's not just the X-BOW® that makes this ship stand out from the rest of the Aurora Expeditions fleet. Here are some other features to look out for:
 

  • State-of-the-art lecture rooms for informative talks and briefings
  • Restaurant and bar serving delicious daily menus
     
  • Relaxed staterooms ranging from porthole to balcony categories
Cabin Greg Mortimer 1200

Wildlife observations

Several observation areas offer a range of views out to the spectacular panoramic scenery. Also, the vessel features unique hydraulic viewing platforms, which are folding out to bring the passengers closer to the passing marine life and seabirds. 
 

With observation wings for the passengers, it is possible to get views from an angle outside the ship’s side, here on the 'Greg Mortimer'. Photo by Kristian Yksnøy.

Excursions made easy

Other highlights include a custom-designed platform for kayakers and divers, a dedicated sea-level craft loading platform which makes loading and unloading easier than ever, and a changing room/mudroom for storing outdoor clothing and gumboots after an adventure. Side ports located on the port and starboard sides of the vessel facilitate the loading and offloading of four inflatable crafts at the same time. A boarding area offers quick and safe access to the kayaks.

Kayak launch zone on the Greg Mortimer


Environment

The Greg Mortimer has one of the lowest polluting marine engines in the world due to low energy consumption, high fuel-efficiency and a streamlined design to deliver an 80% reduction in emissions compared to Tier 1 engines. 
The ship can also utilise virtual anchoring to hold its position using a combination of GPS, steering technology, propellers and thrusters. This protects the sea floor and minimises the damage caused by conventional anchors.
 

The passengers will be able to also enjoy a number of activities during the voyage, using the ship as their base. This includes:

  • Sea kayaking
  • Diving and snorkelling
  • Snowshoeing
  • Ski touring
  • Climbing
  • South Georgia alpine crossing
  • Camping
  • Photography workshops
Greg Mortimer passengers hiking in Antarctica.

Get in touch

Lars Ståle Skoge DSC4468 comp bw

Lars Ståle Skoge

Description
Commercial Director
Affiliation
Ulstein Design & Solutions AS
Lars Ståle Skoge DSC4468 comp bw

Lars Ståle Skoge

Commercial Director

Affiliation
Ulstein Design & Solutions AS