The MPV Everest will resupply Australia’s Antarctic and Macquarie Island stations next summer.
The Ice-Class Multi-Purpose Vessel is operated by Dutch company Maritime Construction Services, and can navigate in ice up to one metre thick.
Australian Antarctic Division General Manager of Operations and Safety, Charlton Clark, said the end of the Aurora Australis’ contract and the delayed arrival of Australia’s new icebreaker RSV Nuyina (due to the COVID-19 pandemic) meant an alternative ship had to be contracted.
The 140 metre-long Everest was built in 2017 and will be used for a minimum of 90 days next summer. The vessel can accommodate up to 100 expeditioners, has large fuel storage tanks, and space for up to 96 20-foot cargo containers on its decks. It also has a helipad above the bridge, which will be used for ship-to-shore resupply operations.