HFW Advises Aurora Expeditions on Delivery of Purpose-Built Expedition Ship Douglas Mawson

"HFW advised Australian expedition cruise line Aurora Expeditions on the delivery of the purpose-built expedition ship Douglas Mawson from China Merchants Heavy Industry. The firm assisted on financing arrangements and other operational and structural matters as the vessel entered service and departed on its maiden cruise on 1 December 2025, expanding Aurora’s fleet to three purpose-built ships."

HFW advised Australian expedition cruise line Aurora Expeditions on the delivery of the purpose-built expedition ship Douglas Mawson from China Merchants Heavy Industry. The transaction involved the successful delivery of the brand-new expedition vessel Douglas Mawson and its entry into service. The ship departed on its maiden cruise on 1 December 2025. With the addition of the Douglas Mawson, Aurora Expeditions now operates a fleet of three purpose-built ships. While the company remains focused on Antarctic and Arctic expeditions, the expanded fleet has enabled Aurora to launch small-ship cruises to a wider range of destinations, including Europe and the British Isles. HFW advised on the financing arrangements for the delivery and on a range of operational and structural matters. The firm’s multi-disciplinary team coordinated across jurisdictions, including work involving colleagues in Shanghai and Hong Kong, to support this key milestone in Aurora’s fleet development. HFW represented Aurora Expeditions with a team composed by: Partner William MacLachlan (shipbuilding and ship finance specialist); Legal Director Katherine Noble; Senior Associate Peter Emery; Associate Anna Agapitou; and Partner Stephen Thompson (Sydney office).

HFW Advises Aurora Expeditions on Delivery of Purpose-Built Expedition Ship Douglas Mawson

Read the full story

Cookie Preferences

Strictly Necessary

Analytics & Statistics

Marketing & Ads