Icebreaker Kapitan Khlebnikov to attempt historic journey in July as part of Arctic Circumnavigation
By
Rebecca Gibson |
Quark Expeditions will attempt to make history with the first passenger crossing of the Kennedy Channel, which separates Northwestern Greenland and Ellesmere Island in Canada, this July.
The attempt will take place onboard icebreaker Kapitan Khlebnikov during Quark’s 75-day ‘Arctic Circumnavigation’, which consists of four separate itineraries that will enable passengers to explore the Northeast Passage, circumnavigate Greenland, traverse remote areas of the Canadian Arctic and Russia, and cross the Northwest Passage. The Kennedy Channel crossing will be part of the 21-day ‘Extreme Greenland’ expedition, the second of the four itineraries.
On 7 August, the crew will attempt to land at Cape Morris Jesup, the most northerly point in Greenland, then the ship’s navigator and pilots will use two onboard Mil Mi-2 helicopters to confirm that the sea and ice conditions are favourable to sail the Kennedy Channel. If the conditions are right, the ship will then sail the Kennedy Channel to reach Kangerlussuaq, Greenland, rather than sailing down the country’s eastern coast.
“We’re thrilled our ‘Extreme Greenland’ expedition passengers have this rare opportunity to be a part of polar exploration history,” said Andrew White, president of Quark Expeditions. “Our ‘Arctic Circumnavigation’ voyage is only offered for 2016, making the experience even more exciting and meaningful for the few travellers who make this epic journey.”
Soviet icebreaker Kapitan Khlebnikov has transited the Northwest Passage more than any other passenger vessel and tied Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen’s record for reaching 78° South in 1996. That same year, Khlebnikov became the first ship to circumnavigate Antarctica with passengers onboard and remains the only passenger vessel to have circumnavigated Antarctica twice.
Refurbished in 1990 and 2015, Khlebnikov has 51 outside cabins and suites, all featuring private facilities, large windows and closets. The vessel also has a dining room, a lounge, a heated plunge pool, a sauna, an auditorium and a Polar Boutique.
To date, Kennedy Channel has only been traversed by submarine.