Ortelius

Ortelius at a glance

The Ortelius, operated by Oceanwide Expeditions, is a former specialist vessel with a history spanning several roles and names. Built in Gdynia, Poland, in 1989, the ship was initially named Marina Svetaeva. According to the operator, it served as a specialist vessel for the Russian Academy of Sciences. It was later reflagged and renamed Ortelius. The new name commemorates the cartographer Abraham Ortelius, who published the world atlas Theatrum Orbis Terrarum in 1570. The operator describes this work as the first modern world atlas.

Abraham Ortelius lived from 1527 to 1598. The Ortelius sails under the Dutch flag and is classified by Lloyd’s Register in London.

Design and specifications

The operator lists the ship as 90.95 metres long, 17.20 metres wide, with a draught of 5.4 metres. Its displacement is stated as 4,090 tonnes. The average cruising speed is given as 10.5 knots. Oceanwide specifies the propulsion system as a 6 ZL 40/48 Sulzer.

The stated ice class is UL1, which the operator says is equivalent to 1A. Oceanwide describes the Ortelius as suitable for one-year ice and loose multi-year pack ice. This classification is significant for an expedition ship because it indicates its intended use in ice-covered regions. Ice conditions and the areas that can actually be navigated depend on each expedition.

Life and expeditions on board

Oceanwide gives the capacity as up to 108 passengers in 50 cabins. The operator also lists 44 crew members, eight guides and one doctor for guest operations. The ship has open deck areas, a bar and a lecture room. Ten Zodiacs are also part of the expedition equipment described. When conditions permit, these boats are used to transfer between ship and shore; the scope and arrangements for landings depend on the programme and local conditions.

Expedition voyages therefore differ from a conventional cruise, where port calls and onboard amenities largely shape the daily schedule. According to the operator, the Ortelius focuses on exploration and nature, with as much time ashore as possible. This explains the combination of an ice-strengthened design, open deck areas, a lecture room and small boats. At the same time, the ship remains the accommodation and base between shore visits.

Regarding cabin locations, Oceanwide notes that, in a small number of cabins, part of the window may be obstructed by the ship’s structure or a passageway. The operator identifies the outer deck and bridge as places with unobstructed views. These notes relate to the practical experience on board and complement the technical specifications with an everyday aspect of the ship’s design.