The keel-laying ceremony for relaunched cruise line’s Swan Hellenic’s second ship – Vega – has been held at Helsinki Shipyard in Finland.

Vega, named after the first vessel to sail through the Arctic Northeast Passage, is the second of three purpose-designed ice-class expedition cruise ships that the Helsinki Shipyard is building for the line.

The ceremony included the placement of coins, with Helsinki Shipyard project manager Jonas Packalén and Helsinki Shipyard chairman Victor Olersky doing the honours.

Swan Hellenic says “the vast majority” of the 152-passenger ship’s 76 staterooms will have large balconies. It will have 120 crew members.

The vessel is scheduled for delivery in April next year after the line’s first ship, Minerva, is delivered in November this year. A third, larger, vessel – currently called Vega 3 – is slated to launch towards the end of 2022.

Packalén said: “New builds Minerva and Vega are designed for extreme weather conditions, from the heavy ice of the polar regions to the heat and humidity of the tropics.

“They’re naturally designed to respect the sensitive ecosystems of the unspoilt regions they explore.”

Swan Hellenic chief executive Andrea Zito said: “Delivering to such a demanding schedule while maintaining the highest quality standards is a fantastic achievement.

“We’re honoured and thrilled to take Swan Hellenic into its next chapter with such fine ships and look forward to welcoming you on board.”