Swan Hellenic Completes Repairs on SH Diana – Cruise Industry News

The SH Diana is repaired after cancelling a visit to Antarctica due to a propulsion issue, Swan Hellenic said in a statement.

According to the update shared by the company, a team led by Wärtsilä carried out maintenance on one of the ship’s electric propulsion motors.

“Together with other technical specialists called out to assist in Ushuaia, we have diligently completed the repair and all related tests,” Swan Hellenic said.

The SH Diana experienced the technical issue while offering a repositioning cruise to the Argentine port ahead of a series of expeditions to Antarctica.

According to Swan Hellenic, the problem was detected while the ship was docked in South Georgia in late November.

“For obvious safety reasons, Captain Svein-Rune Stromnes promptly decided to curtail the voyage and proceed immediately to the closest safe port, Ushuaia, which was also the cruise’s port of arrival,” the company explained.

“Spare parts were sourced and technicians mobilized in record time despite the logistical challenges of the remote location, enabling the repair work to start immediately when SH Diana docked in port on Dec. 1,” the statement continued.

Initially set to depart from Ushuaia on Dec. 3, the first sailing of the season in Antarctica had to be delayed, Swan Hellenic said, departing less than 40 hours behind schedule.

After completing a series of sea trials and a minor adjustment in the Beagle Channel, the ship set sail to Antarctica on Thursday morning, the company added.

“Given the ample margin always built into the schedule of Swan Hellenic’s Antarctic cruises to allow for weather and other disruptions, the company is certain that this limited delay will not result in any reduction in the time scheduled for exploring the Antarctic Peninsula,” Swan Hellenic noted.

Passengers onboard will be able to enjoy all their planned expeditions and activities, the company continued.

“We are pleased that the prompt and efficient coordination of all parties involved on board and ashore enabled the SH Diana to depart for Antarctica with less than about 40 hours’ delay,” Swan Hellenic’s CEO Andrea Zito said.

“We have as always been attentive to our cruise guests during this time, arranging special excursions in Ushuaia and experiences aboard, which have been greatly appreciated. We now wish them exceptional explorations of the White Continent,” he added