Russia's Ministry of Natural Resources has announced that the unique scientific research vessel, the ice-resistant self-propelled platform (LSP) "North Pole," has set sail from Saint Petersburg to Murmansk, where it will commence the drifting polar expedition "North Pole-42."
"With the support of the LSP, scientists from the Arctic and Antarctic Research Institute will conduct dozens of studies essential for understanding climate change processes, charting routes through the Northern Sea Route, and ensuring Russia's hydrometeorological safety," the statement said.
From Murmansk, the vessel will head north of the Novosibirsk Islands and moor to a stable ice field where it can drift for many months. A scientific camp will be set up near the platform for environmental research. Scientific work will also be carried out aboard the vessel and in specially equipped laboratories.
"The LSP's infrastructure allows for a comprehensive study of the Arctic environment – from the bottom of the Arctic Ocean, through the entire water column, studying currents, water properties, and ice, to the upper layers of the atmosphere and near space," the Ministry of Natural Resources noted.
According to Alexander Makarov, director of the Arctic and Antarctic Research Institute, the capabilities of the ice-resistant platform allow scientists to use the most advanced equipment, immerse instruments to any depth in the Arctic Ocean, study near space, and utilize satellites and drones.
"We have managed to create a virtually continuous program of interdisciplinary scientific research in the high latitudes of the Arctic, which will last for many years. Nothing like this has ever been possible before! The data transmitted from the ice-resistant platform is very important for both fundamental and applied tasks, which are strategically important for the state," Makarov's words are quoted in the statement.
As the ministry noted, the "North Pole-42" expedition is a continuation of the legendary domestic program of drifting polar stations, founded in 1937 by Soviet scientists and polar explorers. The "North Pole-1" expedition, led by Ivan Papanin, drifted on an ice floe in tents for 274 days. Later, drifting stations were equipped on the ice in prefabricated houses. In total, 40 drifting expeditions were organized over 75 years.
"In 2013, the operation of classical drifting stations in the Arctic was suspended for nine years due to warming in the Arctic, as it became unsafe to conduct multi-month scientific research on the ice. Scientists from the Arctic and Antarctic Research Institute, together with specialists from Roshydromet and the Vimpel Design Bureau, developed a project for the world's first ice-resistant self-propelled platform for scientific work in the high latitudes of the Arctic," the statement said.
The platform was launched in December 2020 and, two years later, on May 21, 2022, on Polar Worker's Day, it underwent sea trials.
In September 2022, the research vessel "North Pole" embarked on its first voyage to the Arctic. Over 20 months, the drifting expedition "North Pole-41" successfully completed all its objectives. The LSP provided polar explorers with a safe stay and the ability to use heavy equipment, significantly expanding the range of research possibilities.
"The safety of the vessel is guaranteed by its special hull shape, which optimally distributes the load from ice compression, effectively pushing the vessel to the surface of the ice cover. The designed shape allows for the placement of a maximum amount of equipment and supplies necessary for a two-year expedition," the Ministry of Natural Resources reported.
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