Aurora Expeditions Christens Newest Ship, the Douglas Mawson

Aurora Expeditions celebrated the naming of its newest expedition ship, the Douglas Mawson in Sydney Harbor on December 1, 2025.  

Emma McEwin, great-granddaughter of the legendary Arctic explorer Sir Douglas Mawson, officially named the vessel by breaking ice across the bow in lieu of traditional champagne, in a nod to the company’s polar heritage and commitment to sustainability and innovation.

“To christen this remarkable ship in my great-grandfather’s name is an immense honor,” said McEwin in a statement. “The Douglas Mawson carries forward his legacy of courage, science and wonder, exploring the world with the same respect for nature and curiosity that defined his life.”

Aurora Expeditions founder Greg Mortimer who attended the event added, “Replacing champagne with ice was a deliberate and powerful choice. It reflects who we are – explorers of the polar regions, advocates for our planet and proud custodians of Australia’s legacy of adventure. The Douglas Mawson embodies everything Aurora stands for – pioneering spirit, respect for the natural world and a drive to explore responsibly.”

As a company leading the world in small-ship exploration for 35 years, the addition of the Douglas Mawson was purpose-built for adventure, featuring a groundbreaking X-BOW hull for smoother and more efficient voyages along with advanced sustainability technologies such as fuel-efficient diesel-electric propulsion and waste-heat recovery systems.

Guests onboard will discover panoramic lounges, expansive observation decks, a two-story atrium and a dedicated Citizen Science Center allowing for participation in live research and environmental monitoring, blending exploration and conservation.

The Douglas Mawson departed for Hobart, Tasmania post-ceremony for her inaugural voyage, a 10-night circumnavigation led by environment scientist and adventures Tim Jarvis AM renowned for re-enacting Mawson’s and Shackelton’s Antarctic expeditions. The ship will continue to Antarctica and the Sub-Antarctic islands, followed by northern Europe and the Arctic. 

This article originally appeared in TravelPulse.

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