#ARCTIC. #SIBERIA. THIS IS TAIMYR. Admiralty Shipyards launched the North Pole ice-resistant self-propelled platform. The vessel will conduct oceanographic, acoustic, geophysical and geological observations in the Arctic Ocean.
The scientific expedition vessel has no analogues in the world. The North Pole is capable of independently drifting and moving in ice at speed up to 10 knots, Portnews reports. The supply of fuel placed on board will allow the platform to autonomously run the expedition for up to two years. The scientific center of the ice-resistant self-propelled platform (SPP) is equipped with a modern laboratory, uninterrupted communication facilities and is designed for the simultaneous work of 34 scientific workers. Also the North Pole platform will be equipped with a landing area for multipurpose helicopters Mi-8 and Mi-38.
The North Pole ice-resistant platform will resume the traditional operation of drifting stations in the Arctic region. Previously, icebergs were used for polar expeditions. Scientists set up habitable stations right on the glaciers. For the first time, such a landing followed by wintering was carried out by Soviet specialists in 1937. The expedition was also called North Pole. However, today, due to the melting of glaciers, long-term stay and drift on them have become impossible. The unique platform will make it possible to carry out a wide range of research in the Arctic Ocean efficiently and safely.
Text: Ekaterina Maximova, Photo: admship.ru
