Dutch health authorities have cleared the expedition cruise ship Hondius to resume operations after completing extensive disinfection following a hantavirus outbreak that affected passengers and crew earlier this year.
The Rotterdam Municipal Health Service (GGD) confirmed that a second inspection conducted on May 29 found no remaining public health obstacles preventing the vessel from returning to service.
According to operator Oceanwide Expeditions, a team of 13 biosecurity specialists carried out a multi-day cleaning operation covering all eight decks of the vessel. Hard surfaces were disinfected using approved products and hydrogen peroxide, while soft furnishings underwent high-temperature steam treatment.
The company continues to maintain that the virus was likely brought onboard by infected passengers travelling from South America, noting that the vessel had previously been certified rodent-free by independent inspectors.
Crew members remaining onboard were disembarked by May 23 and are currently in quarantine as crew changes continue. Passengers from the affected voyage also remain under quarantine in several countries.
The World Health Organization reported 13 confirmed cases linked to the outbreak as of May 21, including three deaths and one additional case identified in Spain.
Hondius remains in Rotterdam undergoing resupply, annual survey work and maintenance before departing for Svalbard on June 6. The ship is scheduled to resume passenger operations on June 13 with an Arctic voyage departing from Longyearbyen.
