The diesel-electric ship "Vasiliy Golovnin" of the Fesco transport group, which is part of the Rosatom state corporation, began its journey from Cape Town on January 14 for its seventh expedition to the shores of Antarctica. The ship is heading with cargo for Indian research stations.
Under a contract with the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research of India (NCPOR), the "Vasiliy Golovnin" will deliver fuel, equipment and food to the Bharati and Maitri stations, which are necessary for their operation throughout the year. Indian polar explorers are also on board to replace their colleagues working at the stations. The voyage is expected to last until April 2025.
The ship is commanded by experienced ice captain Nikolai Dishkant. There are two helicopters on board that will carry out aerial reconnaissance and deliver people and cargo to the stations. The crew will also assist scientists in conducting research off the coast of the continent, using a specially prepared self-propelled barge for unloading on an undeveloped shore.
Read more on the topic:
Shortage of high ice class vessels for operation on the Northern Sea Route: new data
USC and Rosatom will find a solution to the problem of dredging in the Arctic zone
Rosatom intends to invest 120 billion rubles in the construction of diesel icebreakers
