Oceanwide Expeditions can confirm that the planned deep cleaning and disinfection of m/v Hondius has been completed in Rotterdam.

Press Update: 1 June 2026, 13:00 hrs CET

Oceanwide Expeditions can confirm that the planned deep cleaning and disinfection of m/v Hondius has been completed in Rotterdam. On 29 May, the vessel was assessed, and was cleared on 30 May by Dutch health authority (GGD) officials to return to full operations. The vessel will now undergo an annual survey and scheduled maintenance in Rotterdam, before her planned departure to Longyearbyen on 6 June.

Prior to the operation, Oceanwide Expeditions worked closely with public health authorities, maritime regulators, port stakeholders and specialist contractors to establish a controlled treatment and clearance plan for the vessel. The operation required intensive coordination between multiple parties to ensure the work could be carried out safely, efficiently and in accordance with all applicable requirements.

The disinfection process was carried out by a team of 13 biosecurity experts provided by EWS Group, a specialist in biosecurity, gas measurement, fumigation, and critical safety operations. Over several days, all 8 decks of m/v Hondius were systematically treated following an initial inspection and assessment of the required treatment. As part of this assessment, the vessel was declared rodent-free by qualified third-party professionals.

"While the technical treatment itself was extensive, the success of the operation ultimately depended on close cooperation between Oceanwide Expeditions, public authorities and specialist partners. What made this operation unique was the level of coordination required to develop and execute a controlled biosecurity response within a very short timeframe."
Marcel van den Brink, CCO, EWS Group

The cleaning phase ensured the removal of residual organic matter before an in-depth disinfection treatment of all hard surfaces with registered disinfection products and hydrogen peroxide. Specialists also performed high-temperature steam cleaning on all soft surfaces. During the assessment and disinfection process, all specialists wore full PPE and followed strict protocols to establish clean and contaminated zones on the vessel.

Following completion of this phase, the vessel was inspected, and official clearance was issued by local GGD authorities. With this, m/v Hondius was declared ready to resume operations.

"We are grateful for the professionalism and commitment shown by all parties involved. The close cooperation between our teams and the operational expertise provided by EWS Group played an important role in the successful completion of this complex disinfection operation and the vessel's preparation for return to service."
Rémi Bouysset, CEO Oceanwide Expeditions

Medical and epidemiological information confirms that the hantavirus was introduced before embarkation and did not originate from the vessel or from our onboard operational standards. The completion of this deep clean and disinfection of the vessel eliminates the possibility of future transmission of hantavirus, which has limited environmental stability compared to many other viruses.

All crew members who were present during the prior voyage of m/v Hondius have disembarked the vessel and are currently in quarantine. A crew transition has taken place, with no crew members on board having had any contact with individuals currently in quarantine.

The vessel is now in preparation for her first voyage of the Arctic season, departing from Longyearbyen, Svalbard, on 13 June. A short resupply and preparation period will now take place before the vessel transits to Svalbard on 6 June.

Please see below a copy of the official confirmation of inspection and approval received from local GGD authorities:

"On 29 May, the Rotterdam-Rijnmond Public Health Service (GGD) carried out a final inspection on board the m/v Hondius following the earlier presence of individuals infected with hantavirus.

Based on this targeted inspection, it has been definitively established that the vessel has been effectively cleaned and that the disinfection has been completed in accordance with the prescribed guidelines.

The GGD has informed the Chairman of the Rotterdam-Rijnmond Safety Region that, in the GGD's opinion, the vessel is free from infection and contamination.

From a public health perspective, there are no objections to returning the vessel to service.

GGD Rotterdam-Rijnmond
Public Health Department
Infectious Disease Control Team"

All media inquiries should be directed to: Mrs. Kiki Hirschfeldt: [email protected]

For all other matters, including further details of the cleaning process, we refer to EWS Group and our previous press updates.