Aurora Expeditions is set to name its second purpose-built expedition ship Sylvia Earle after an acclaimed marine biologist and oceanographer.

Earle was the first woman to become chief scientist of the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and was named by Time Magazine as its first Hero for the Planet in 1998. 

Aurora Expeditions said the 126-passenger ship, which will launch in October 2021 in Ushuaia, Argentina, will pay tribute to Earle’s long-standing conservation efforts for marine protection areas and ocean wildlife.

The line claims the vessel features the lowest polluting marine engines in the world, due to low energy consumption, high fuel-efficiency and a streamlined design.

The ‘Tier 3’ engine reportedly delivers an 80% reduction in emissions and can utilise virtual anchoring to hold its position instead of dropping an anchor on the delicate sea floor,.

Onboard desalination plants can also convert seawater to fresh water that is safe to drink. 

Taking in the Polar regions among other destinations as it sails south to north and vice-versa, the ship aims to offer a “fully immersive onboard guest experience” with activities including expert-led expeditions, Polar ski touring, climbing, snowshoeing and explorations by Zodiac. 

“Ninety-seven per cent of Earth’s water is ocean,” said Dr Sylvia Earle.

“It is our life support system and we need to learn everything we can about it. I see great synergy in working closely with a company that shares my vision for the future and which is, from the top down, passionate about the marine environment. 

“Through travelling with Aurora Expeditions on the Sylvia Earle, I feel it is an incredible opportunity for people to learn about these marine habitats in situ, and as a result, become ambassadors for protecting them.”

Aurora Expeditions, which named its first vessel after line founder and Australian mountaineer Greg Mortimer, said it will continue to name its new ships after explorers who are passionate about their environmental commitment and who share the company’s vision for the future. 

“We are proud to be working with Sylvia on plans for the new ship,” said managing director Robert Halfpenny.

“Our ships are designed primarily to connect people with the environment and everything Sylvia does encapsulates what lies at the core of Aurora Expeditions own beliefs and practices.

“In keeping with Sylvia’s own vision and achievements, the Sylvia Earle will have a large focus on marine education and conservation.”