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Terra Nova Expeditions has changed plans for its inaugural Antarctic expedition season after concluding that the historic RMS St. Helena cannot be repositioned from the Persian Gulf in time for the start of the 2026-2027 season. The company had intended to return the former Royal Mail Ship to passenger service as a small expedition vessel, but will instead operate an alternative ship under a 3-year charter.
Built by Appledore Shipyard in the United Kingdom and commissioned in 1990, St. Helena served as the principal maritime link between the remote island of Saint Helena and the outside world. The 105-metre vessel, of approximately 6,800 gross tons, operated primarily between Cape Town and Saint Helena, with services extending to Ascension Island. With a service speed of around 14 knots, she continued operating until the introduction of regular air services made the long-established sea connection less essential. St. Helena was retired from service in 2018.
The vessel subsequently avoided scrapping and was repurposed for several roles. She was briefly used as a floating armory in the Gulf of Oman before being acquired by motorsport organisation Extreme E as a transport vessel for vehicles and equipment. A major refurbishment in 2022 included engine and systems upgrades as well as work on the cabins and public areas.
Terra Nova Expeditions was established in 2025 and announced plans to charter St. Helena for Antarctic expedition voyages beginning in the 2026-2027 season, with the first departure scheduled for December 2026.
The company has now said that the continuing security situation in the Middle East has prevented St. Helena from repositioning from the Persian Gulf safely and within the required timeframe. According to AIS data, the vessel, now registered in Djibouti, remains in the Dubai area, with its most recent reported position near Port Rashid in the United Arab Emirates.
After several months of efforts to secure an alternative vessel, Terra Nova Expeditions has abandoned its plans to operate St. Helena and secured a 3-year charter for another expedition ship, which will be renamed Terra Nova Adventurer.
The replacement vessel also has an extensive maritime history. The 6,333-gross-ton ship began her career in 1972 as a passenger car ferry operating in the Baltic. She was subsequently converted for expedition cruising and rebuilt in 2008 before entering service with Canadian operator G Adventures. During that period, she operated under the names Expedition and G Expedition on voyages to Antarctica, the Arctic and other remote regions. The vessel is currently reported to be laid up under the name Vestland Adventurer and registered in Liberia.
Terra Nova Expeditions plans to refurbish the vessel before her first season. The work will include new soft furnishings and interior décor, remodelling of the bar and lounge areas, and the installation of a Jacuzzi and new sauna on Deck 5.
The company said the refurbishment is intended to retain the ship's established expedition capabilities while updating the onboard environment to reflect Terra Nova Expeditions' approach to small-ship polar cruising.
