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Ship Specs

Class: DNV + 1A1 Ice 1A*
Length: 86.5 metres
Beam: 21.2 metres
Draft: 9.85 metres
Tonnage: 4998 GRT
Type: 105 passenger maximum (100 in Antarctica)
Propulsion: Diesel Electric, 12,000Bhp
Bow-Thruster: 750Bhp
Speed: 15 knots max; 11.5 knots cruising
Flag/Home port: Barbados/Bridgetown
Call Sign: 8PPK
Official No./IMO No.: 725482/6905745

The M/V Polar Star (ex-icebreaker) is a safe and comfortable ice class vessel – certified for worldwide international voyages and complying with all SOLAS, ISM, ISPS and MARPOL regulations for safety and environment. In 2000 the ship was completely retrofitted and upgraded specifically for expedition cruising. The ship has exceptional redundancy with 4 engines. What this means is that it is extremely unlikely that the ship would ever be unable to keep to schedule due to operational difficulties. Owned by Karlsen Shipping Norway and operated by Karlsen Shipping Company in Halifax, Canada, it draws from the experience gained from a company heritage of over 100 years of vessel operation in the Polar Regions.