Swan Hellenic’s SH Minerva Earns DCA ESG Certification
The DCA ESG framework evaluates cruise ships against more than 1,200 parameters, including guest areas, maintenance systems and data protection.
Swan Hellenic’s SH Minerva has received DCA ESG Certification from Dream&Charme after an onboard audit during the ship’s May 20-30 Hiroshima-to-Otaru cruise in Japan. The certification assessed the 152-passenger expedition vessel’s environmental, social and governance performance across operations, supply chain practices, crew welfare and shore excursion delivery.
The award gives Swan Hellenic an externally audited ESG credential for one of its three expedition ships. The DCA ESG framework evaluates accommodation facilities, including cruise ships, against more than 1,200 parameters grouped into nine areas aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Andrea Zito, CEO of Swan Hellenic, said the certification gives the company “a meaningful competitive edge” as luxury travelers look for corporate sustainability claims to be backed by measurable action. “We have always been committed to delivering a high-end expedition cruising experience that combines exceptional exploration with responsible innovation,” Zito said.
Audit completed during Japan itinerary
Giorgio Caire di Lauzet, CEO of Dream&Charme and lead auditor, conducted the review aboard SH Minerva during the Japan sailing. Caire has completed more than 3,000 audits in 25 countries, while Dream&Charme has issued more than 1,400 sustainability certifications across 19 countries.
“This certification isn’t just recognition — it’s a practical tool supporting continuous ESG improvement,” Caire said.
Dream&Charme is accredited to ISO/IEC 17065 by Accredia, Italy’s national accreditation body, under the supervision of the Italian Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy. Its accreditation for DCA ESG is recognized through international accreditation arrangements in 99 countries.
Certification covers shipboard hospitality and ESG controls
The DCA ESG criteria examine sustainability and reliability characteristics across the accommodation operation as a whole, including guest areas, technical maintenance systems and service delivery. The framework also covers areas such as human rights, working conditions, customer management, local community involvement, accessibility, data protection, cybersecurity and sustainable development.
SH Minerva entered service in 2021 and carries 152 guests in 76 staterooms, with about 120 crew across nine decks. The vessel is approximately 10,500 gross tons and uses hybrid diesel-electric propulsion with battery capacity, alongside a PC5 ice-strengthened hull for polar operations.
Swan Hellenic also operates SH Vega and SH Diana. The company did not say whether those vessels will be put through the same DCA ESG certification process.
