Dutch offshore contracting and vessel management firm Maritime Construction Services (MCS) has been awarded a contract by the Australian Antarctic Division (AAD) for supply services in the Antarctic region
The contract includes resupplying several AAD stations in Antarctica, dedicated to climate research in the polar regions.
MCS’ flagship multi-purpose vessel Everest will be deployed for the resupply expeditions. The project will take place from December 2020 until March 2021.
Everest is an ice-class 1A, DP3 construction vessel, equipped to provide services in Antarctica.
Advanced onboard systems reduce the vessel’s environmental footprint while Everest’s 1,400 m2 deck and 250 tonne active heat compensated crane allows the delivery of large project equipment and subsea structures to remote areas and in the harsh polar environment.
In addition to the 18-man SAT system, the vessel is equipped with three state-of-the-art ROVs which can be deployed for underwater work and research.
MCS’ director Anton Shishkarev said “ We are more than proud to support the AAD with our flagship Everest in its mission to answer the big scientific questions of our time,” adding “Together with the AAD, we have been preparing for several weeks and are looking forward to a successful co-operation and exciting project.”
AAD is based in Hobart, Tasmania and is part of the Australian Government’s Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment. The division leads Australia’s Antarctic programme. The research conducted through the programme helps to develop technologies and polices that protect the Antarctic and Southern Ocean environments.
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