SH Minerva returns to the Swan Greek fleet!
SH Minerva Now back to the Swan Greek fleet. Following routine maintenance and preparation to Swan Hellenic’s usual high standards, she will set sail in November to join her sister ships SH Vega and SH Diana in Ushuaia, where she will 2025-2026 Antarctic winter begins.
Then, in March 2026she will launch Swan Hellenic’s first asia pacific seasontakes its award-winning cultural adventure cruises into new horizons, offering adventurous guests more opportunities to explore around the world.
New in-depth exploration of Asia Pacific includes solomon islands, papua new guinea, Raja Ampat, Indonesiathis the Philippines and JapanOffering unforgettable experiences from primitive art, ancient rituals and anthropology to World War II historical sites, wildlife, snorkeling and water sports adventures.
“We are delighted to welcome back our flagship SH Minerva,” said Swan Hellenic CEO Andrea Zito. “She is a symbol of Swan Hellenic’s rebirth and her first Asia Pacific season will take us flying our flag around the world, reaching every ocean and continent. This is an incredibly proud moment for us.”
The cutting-edge scientific research vessel SH Minerva was built at the Helsinki shipyard OY in late 2021 and leased to Swan Hellenic by Irish shipowner STLC Europe Nine Leasing Ltd.
GTLK Europe DAC, the parent company of STLC Europe Nine Leasing Ltd, was sanctioned by the EU, the United States and the United Kingdom as early as April to August 2022 due to the designation of PAO GTLK, the parent company of GTLK Europe DAC, a large Russian leasing company. As a result, SH Minerva has been idle in Fray Bentos, Uruguay since April 2022. In May 2023, GTLK Europe DAC entered liquidation. Joint liquidators were appointed by the High Court of Ireland and PAO GTLK subsequently lost control of GTLK Europe DAC and all of its subsidiaries, including STLC Europe Nine Leasing Ltd. The joint liquidators who now control GTLK Europe DAC and its subsidiaries have obtained compliance with all applicable sanctions for the sale of GTLK Europe DAC’s assets, including SH Minerva.
After lengthy negotiations with the joint liquidators, Swan Hellenic finally reacquired SH Minerva from STLC Europe Nine Leasing Ltd using shareholder funds on 25 July 2025, subject to all applicable sanctions.
SH Minerva’s return marks an exciting new chapter for Swan Hellenic, whose fleet of three ships will take guests on unique immersive exploration experiences in the heart of remote destinations around the world, cruising with sophistication and elegance. “See what others don’t see.”.