NSF Charters New Icebreaker for US Antarctic Program

After signing an agreement with the Murmansk Shipping Company, of Russia, the US National Science Foundation (NSF) now has access to a new diesel icebreaker, called Vladimir Ignatyuk. The purpose of the ship will be to create a navigable lane through McMurdo Sound, in Antarctica.

With this ship, the NSF will be able to ensure that the necessary supplies are delivered to US-operated research stations on the Southern Continent, during the upcoming 2012 to 2013 season. The agency usually sends out an icebreaker, a fuel tanker and a cargo ship to resupply these locations.

The ships unload all their supplies at McMurdo Station, which is where the NSF operates its Antarctic logistics hub. The cargo is then split according to needs, and delivered to sites such as the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station, which is located right at the planet's geographical South Pole.

“Our recent discussions with [the Murmansk Shipping Company] about deploying the Ignatyuk this season have come to a successful conclusion and we are fully confident that the ship will allow us to complete this vital mission,” NSF Office of Polar Programs leader, Kelly K. Falkner, explains.

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Via: NSF Charters New Icebreaker for US Antarctic Program