A sister ship for the line’s upcoming Greg Mortimer (pictured above), the vessel will be of a similar design and feature the Ulstein X-Bow.

Aurora said the X-Bow technology "allows for gentler sea crossings, reduced emissions and improved comfort".

Robert Halfpenny, managing director of Aurora Expeditions, said the line had enjoyed "phenomenal" sales for its polar voyages with "a virtually sold out" upcoming Antarctic 2019-20 season.

"In excess of 60% of the inventory has already been sold for Antarctica 2020-21 and with the second ship, we are now able to ensure that the demand for places is met without causing disappointment to those who have not been able to join us during Greg Mortimer’s inaugural season," Halfpenny said.

The new ship will launch out of Ushuaia in autumn 2021 before heading south for the 2021/22 Antarctic season - its name will be released shortly, Aurora Expeditions said.