Russian vessel Igarka brought British polar explorers to Antarctic

11.01.2010 Source: RIA Novosti, photo: Antarctic (byaki.net)

Far East Shipping Company's MV Igarka brought British polar explorers and expedition cargo to Antarctic's Halley Bay and set a course for South Atlantic, said Monday Tatiana Kulikova, the head of press service of the steamship company to RIA Novosti.

"Cargo ship Igarka was chartered by British Antarctic Survey which is a branch of British Institute for Antarctic Research. According to the contract, the ship was supposed to sail to British Antarctic station Halley which is in process of construction and deliver there fuel, equipment and modular cottages for researchers; that was accomplished. When the cargo was delivered, the vessel withdrew from the charter", specified the interviewee.

According to Mrs. Kulikova, the ship moored to fast ice of Halley Bay. Discharge on unequipped coast was carried out by shipboard cranes. Delivered materials and structures will be transported to the station Halley overice.

"Currently, the vessel is heading for certain point in the South Atlantic where it will expect for further instructions of the shipping company", said Mrs. Kulikova.

Far East Shipping Company has a great experience of operations within the Polar circle, in eastern sector of Arctic, and in Antarctica. Through 50 years crews of the company sail at polar latitudes and discharge cargoes on the ice and unequipped coasts. The crews of the steamship company delivered cargoes for Soviet and Russian polar explorers; performed expeditions to Antarctic stations of the U.S. and Australia.