28th November 2007

Ice- Strengthened Hulls in Antarctica Bound Cruise Ships

Is Your Antarctica Cruise Ship Ice-Strengthened?
Questions for Your Antarctica Cruise Tour Operators

I continue to receive emails and calls asking about whether or not my Antarctica bound ship is ice-strengthened, as well as concerns for whether or not I was on the ship in Antarctica last week.   First of all, I was thankfully not on last week’s trip.  Second, I plan to still go to Antarctica.  I leave in one week.  Third, yes, my ship is ice-strengthened.

I also had questions about whether or not our ship has a double hull, ice strengthened or is an ice breaker.  I read a disconcerting post in an article from a larger cruiseliner company indicating ice-strengthened hulls or bottoms or ice-breakers were not necessary since they travel in Antarctica in the “summer”, and there isn’t much ice where they go.  I look forward to posting pictures of the ice during Antarctica’s austral summer.   It is disconcerting to know that larger cruise ships are venturing into this area, without ice-strengthened hulls or bottoms. 

It’s 23 degrees - to 50 degrees F depending on where you’re at in Antarctica.  My cruise ship is venturing to Palmer Research station, which is in the Northwest quadrant of Antarctica.  It is not going further south, nor is it venturing to the Falkland Islands, or on the East side of Antarctica.  Some of these areas do not experience ice thaws until late in austral Antarctica summer, if at all.

Personally, I want to know that the ship is ice-strengthened and double-hulled, but wasn’t the Explorer?  I think it was.   One report indicated it wasn’t, but I’m pretty sure that was the first ice breaker to exist. 

Does an ice-breaker or double-hulled ice strengthened boat have a chance up against an iceberg?  I just found a great website that references some of the questions I have about the differences between double hull, ice-strengthened and ice breaker.  I’ve linked to the article, however, in summary - the double hull simply means that if the first layer is penetrated, but not the second, water entry should not occur.  However, that does not necessarily mean it was strengthened for ice floes or icebergs.  The G.A.P. Explorer was, according to this site, a 1A1 Ice A rating.  The Abercrombie Explorer II, which is the ship I’ll be on next week, is a double hulled ice class vessel with an Italian RINA Class 1-D.  Don’t even ask me what the difference is but I’m trying to find out.  I’ve posted a request at the site above, www.gcaptain.com

Here is a Navy’s article (dated in 2001) referencing an ice breaker versus an ice-strengthened ship.

Website referencing Antarctic ships.

Experienced Antarctica Cruiseship Captains the Issue? - This is a great article

Is global warming contributing to new iceberg formation?  Here is a website talking about how 200 new icebergs formed in 2006.

Also, how long does one survive in a life boat in 20 degree weather with waves, and fog?   What do you do to prevent hyper thermia?  I have waterproof and wool clothing, and have frequented Dick’s Sporting Goods a litle too often.  A&K also offers a parka. 

Lastly, please do me a favor - say a prayer for safe travels in Antarctica - and that’s it.  Nothing else needs to be said.  Nothing negative, nothing else. 

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