Originally built in 1989 as the Marina Svetaeva for the Russian Academy of Sciences, M/V Ortelius features unique helicopter capability with a helipad and hangar accommodating three aircraft—enabling access to Emperor penguin colonies and remote locations inaccessible to other passenger vessels.

In February 2025, Ortelius achieved the most southerly position ever reached by a passenger vessel in the Weddell Sea. The ship holds the highest ice-class notation (UL1/1A) among expedition vessels.

The ship carries 10 Zodiacs with 60hp Yamaha engines, plus the unique helicopter hangar capable of housing three aircraft for Emperor penguin expedition flights. Activities include kayaking, camping, scuba diving, mountaineering, and snowshoeing.

Cabin Categories (50-53 cabins)

• Superior Cabin (6): 18-20 m², 2+ windows, double bed, sofa bed, refrigerator
• Twin Deluxe (~4): 17 m², Deck 5, premium location
• Twin Window (12): ~17 m², 2 lower berths, windows
• Twin Porthole (27): 2 lower berths, 2 portholes
• Triple Porthole (2): Bunk beds, flexible configuration
• Quadruple (4): Bunk beds, flexible configuration

Destinations: Antarctica, Weddell Sea (Emperor Penguin expeditions), Ross Sea, Peter I Island, Svalbard, Greenland, Scoresby Sound.