Launching in December 2025, the 154-passenger Douglas Mawson ship will operate its maiden season in East Antarctica – the first time the Australian-owned expedition line has operated in the region for 15 years. 

One of the new itineraries will include a voyage from Hobart to East Antarctica in honour of the ship’s namesake, Sir Douglas Mawson. 

The ship will be named after the late Australian geologist and explorer, who died in 1958. 

Douglas Mawson will operate alongside Greg Mortimer and Sylvia Earle in AE Expeditions’ fleet and will feature the Ulstein X-BOW designed for “smoother, faster ocean crossings and world-leading fuel efficiency”. 

It will offer 11 stateroom categories, with most featuring private balconies, the line said. AE Expeditions will also offer “several” single berth cabins for solo travellers for the first time. 

Public spaces include two restaurants, two bars, an outdoor heated swimming pool, pool bar and Jacuzzis, a gym and sauna, wellness areas, a library, a Citizen Science centre and lecture theatre.

There will also be expansive observation decks offering panoramic views of wilderness and wildlife.

Douglas Mawson will have Zodiac access points, a changing room and mudroom, while a dedicated science centre will be a hub for a mix of participative and educational Citizen Science programmes. 

Chief executive Michael Heath said: “We’re thrilled to be launching the newest and final Infinity Class vessel, which we have named in honour of pioneering Australian geologist and explorer Sir Douglas Mawson.  

“We are offering passengers new itineraries departing from Australia as part of the ship’s inaugural season, including an exploration of Mawson’s Antarctica, which will visit Mawson’s Huts at Cape Denison, Commonwealth Bay, and New Zealand’s Subantarctic Islands.

“We are committed to delivering life-changing experiences with the newest, most advanced technology available, and with the most experienced and passionate team in the industry.” 

Chief marketing officer Hayley Peacock-Gower said: “AE Expeditions takes great inspiration from the incredible legacy of Sir Douglas Mawson. Indeed, it was Mawson’s SY Aurora vessel that inspired our founder, Greg Mortimer, to name our company Aurora. 

“We can’t wait to welcome Douglas Mawson to our fleet of small ships, and we look forward to announcing the full programme of voyages for the new ship, which will offer passengers incredible expeditions in the polar regions, as well as some exciting new destinations.”  

The line said Douglas Mawson’s inaugural itinerary programme would be announced soon.