m/v Ortelius

Ortelius was originally the Marina Svetaeva. Built in Gdynia, Poland in 1989, it served as a special-purpose vessel for the Russian Academy of Science. Later it was re-flagged and renamed after the Dutch/Flemish cartographer Abraham Ortelius (1527 – 1598), who in 1570 published the first modern world atlas: Theatrum Orbis Terrarum or Theater of the World. At that time his atlas was the most expensive book ever printed. Ortelius is classed by Lloyd’s Register in London and flies the Dutch flag.

The vessel has the highest ice-class notation (UL1, equivalent to 1A) and is therefore suitable to navigate in solid one-year sea ice as well as loose multi-year pack ice. Ortelius can accommodate up to 108 passengers and has an abundance of open-deck spaces. It is manned by 24 highly experienced nautical crew members, 20 hotel staff, eight expedition specialists (one expedition leader, one assistant, and six lecturer-guides), and one doctor.

• Length: 90,95m
• Breadth: 17,20m
• Draft: 5,4m
  
• Ice-class: UL1 (Equivalent to 1A)

• Propulsion: 6 ZL 40/48 SULZER
• Speed: 10.5 knots average cruising speed
• Stabilizers: Bilge Keel System
• Refurbished: 2012, 2014, 2016, 2019 & 2024

TECHNOLOGY & FUEL

• Two new low-emission engines.
• New propeller blades and hull optimization improve fuel efficiency; uses LSMGO (<0.1% sulphur).

CO2 Emissions

The two new low-emission engines reduce emissions and comply with current environmental regulations. The 2025 propeller and hull upgrades improve propulsion efficiency and reduce fuel consumption, supporting lower operational emissions.

Waste Management

Oceanwide’s Clean Up Svalbard program is directly associated with Ortelius operations. During an Ortelius expedition, passengers and crew collected approximately 250 kg of beach waste, which was sorted and delivered to the designated Clean Up Svalbard bin in Longyearbyen for proper processing.

Citizen Science Programs

Ortelius has served as a platform for scientific research in the Arctic. The SEES expedition, conducted aboard Ortelius with the University of Groningen, brought together around 100 scientists and tourists to study the effects of climate change on Edgeøya. Oceanwide also supports research and educational activities through its expedition operations.

Local First Initiative / Communities

Oceanwide participates in Clean Up Svalbard, in collaboration with the Governor of Svalbard and AECO.
Aboard Ortelius, dedicated cleanup expeditions remove marine debris from remote Svalbard beaches.
Waste is sorted onboard and handled responsibly in Longyearbyen.
Oceanwide is a founding participant, supporting long-term protection of Svalbard’s fragile coastal environments.

Avg 13,25m² (143ft²)
2 guests (lower berths)
Private shower & toilet
Deck 3 (mid) & Deck 5 (mid/front)
(This cabin can accomodate 3 guests)

Avg 13,25m² (143ft²)
2 guests (lower berths)
Private shower & toilet
Deck 3 (mid) & Deck 5 (mid/front)

17,7m² (191ft²)
2 guests (lower berths)
Private shower & toilet
3 Windows
Deck 5 (aft/mid)

19,4m² (209ft²)
2 guests (1 double bed)
Private shower & toilet
2 Windows
Deck 5 (aft/front)