Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore (BV), a world leader in testing, inspection, and certification, has classified the Douglas Mawson, a 200-passenger expedition cruise ship, specifically designed for polar exploration in the Antarctic and Arctic, and built by China Merchants Heavy Industry (Jiangsu) Co., Ltd. (CMHI) for SunStone Maritime Group A/S (SunStone): the seventh in the Infinity-Class series.
As part of SunStones low-carbon strategy, the vessel - equipped with an electric propulsion system - combines excellent environmental performance and efficiency through its Tier III-compliant design in accordance with MARPOL Annex VI, set to further advance standards in environmentally responsible expedition cruising.
With an overall length of 100.4 meters and a width of 18 meters, the vessel can carry 200 passengers and 100 crew, and is equipped with two electric motor–driven propellers. Crucially, in compliance with the Safe Return to Port (SRtP) requirements of SOLAS, the vessel is capable of operating safely with just one propellor, should the other fail.
BV has played a crucial role in supporting the ship’s compliance with international safety regulations, including the USCG Initial Certificate of Compliance (ICOC) examination, a mandatory requirement before the vessel enters a U.S. port as a foreign-flagged passenger ship. The SOLAS Passenger Ship Safety Certificate has also been issued following this assessment.
BV has also provided plan approval and survey services throughout the design and construction phases to verify compliance with SRtP requirements. Typically reserved for vessels over 120 meters in length or with three or more main fire zones, the application of these standards in the Douglas Mawson demonstrates a proactive approach to passenger safety. BV’s involvement included design evaluations and participation in dedicated technical workshops.
Critically, the Douglas Mawson features Ulstein Design & Solutions’ (UDS) patented X-BOW® hull design. Crucially this significantly reduces wave resistance and vessel motion, delivering smoother and more efficient operations in harsh conditions.
The Douglas Mawson exemplifies the integration of the agility of small expedition ships with the stability, comfort, and safety features typical of large cruise liners – particularly suited to environmental protection in emission control areas such as the Antarctic and Arctic.
Built to Polar Class 6 standards, the Douglas Mawson includes 80 guest cabins – all with private bathrooms and balconies – and offers a restaurant, lounge, and a 180-degree indoor observation deck. The vessel was designed by UDS, in partnership with Aurora Expeditions.
