Vlissingen, 30.09.25 - Oceanwide Expeditions, veteran polar operator and leader in the expedition cruise industry, has completed two significant maintenance and upgrade projects on m/v Ortelius, improving operational vessel speed and increasing fuel efficiency. The fitting of new propeller blades and hull blasting forms part of an ongoing investment into the expedition fleet as part of a broader ESG & sustainability strategy.
Increased speeds & enhanced efficiency
During a drydocking period in September 2025, four new bronze propeller blades were built and fitted by Dutch Propeller Repairs BV (DPR), replacing existing stainless steel propeller blades that had been in place for several decades. This planned work is expected to improve the ship's propulsion. Early reports from a transitional voyage to Puerto Madryn, Argentina, ahead of the upcoming 2025-26 Antarctic season already indicate increased speed consistency.
The fitting of new propeller blades complements another significant project completed during a drydocking period in May 2025. Hull blasting was performed on Ortelius's hull, removing accumulated paint layers and re-establishing a smoother, more consistent hull surface. This process has led to an increase in fuel efficiency through reduced hull resistance, which helps lower overall operational emissions.
Piet Vink, Chief Vessel Officer, Oceanwide Expeditions - "With the completion of both projects, Ortelius is now more ready than ever to take guests into some of our planet's most extreme environments. Both upgrades directly improve fuel efficiency and operational consistency, which, in turn, helps us further reduce operational emissions. We are delighted with the professionalism and high standards of our partners, including DPR and Shipyard Reimerswaal, in completing both projects during busy docking periods."
Comfort, character, and polar capabilities
These upgrades enhance the polar capabilities of Ortelius, an ice-strengthened expedition vessel renowned in the industry for its ability to operate in the world's extreme environments. Originally constructed as a special-purpose research vessel, Ortelius is well suited for navigation in a variety of ice conditions.
Providing a solid platform for guest activities both on and off the ship, Ortelius operates some of Oceanwide Expeditions' most adventurous and remote itineraries, including Weddell Sea voyages and Deep South itineraries in Antarctica, carrying up to 108 guests. The vessel can carry helicopters and provides superior 360° viewing possibilities at the edges of the map.
Both projects were completed at Shipyard Reimerswaal, a long-time partner of Oceanwide Expeditions, which facilitates dry docking, restocking, and maintenance periods for the Oceanwide Expeditions fleet on a biannual basis.