Aurora names new ship after Sylvia Earle

Aurora Expeditions has revealed that it’s second X-Bow ship will be named after Dr Sylvia Earle, the marine biologist and oceanographer.

Earle was the first woman to become chief scientist of the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and named by Time Magazine as its first Hero for the Planet in 1998.

“Ninety-seven per cent of Earth’s water is ocean,” says Dr Sylvia Earle. “It is our life support system and we need to learn everything we can about it. I see great synergy in working closely with a company that shares my vision for the future and which is, from the top down, passionate about the marine environment. Through travelling with Aurora Expeditions on the Sylvia Earle, I feel it is an incredible opportunity for people to learn about these marine habitats in situ, and as a result, become ambassadors for protecting them.”

Robert Halfpenny, Aurora Expeditions managing director, said: “We are proud to be working with Sylvia on plans for the new ship. Our ships are designed primarily to connect people with the environment and everything Sylvia does encapsulates what lies at the core of Aurora Expeditions own beliefs and practices.”

“In keeping with Sylvia’s own vision and achievements, the Sylvia Earle will have a large focus on marine education and conservation.”

The Sylvia Earle, will launch in October 2021 in Ushuaia, Argentina.

To read Sam Ballard’s piece on Aurora Expedition’s first ship, the Greg Mortimer, in Antarctica, click here.