Polar hero

Nansen Explorer is suitable for those who already have everything, including a large yacht to have fun in the gentle climate of the Mediterranean, to show off in St. Barthelemy and to sail from one Maldivian atoll to another. But now isn’t there a time for something new, like high waves in high latitudes, the feeling of a duel with the ruthless element, and the feeling of exclusivity from having climbed into such a distance where no one else could go? It’s hard to imagine such a boat as the only one for all occasions—off Mykonos or in the port of Hercule—but it’s easy to imagine it as a shadow boat, stepping into action where the main megayacht won’t go, or as an independent expedition vessel for ice voyages.

Finding itself in the polar region is the speciality of the ship and its crew. Traveling through the ice in search of polar bears or emperor penguins is not an easy task to do. The Nansen Explorer does it stylishly. While its rugged exterior fits well with the desolate, end-of-the-world landscapes, the warm interior decor and level of service create a relaxed away-from-home atmosphere.

The ice class 1A vessel was made in 1983 of special improved steel by the Finnish company Laivateollisuus along with 10 other sister ships. The exterior was designed by shipyard specialists. Having served its purpose, in 2021 the vessel was purchased for conversion and underwent a multi-million dollar refit. If previously it could accommodate 60 people in spartan conditions, it now accommodates 12 passengers and 17 crew members. Inside, the ceilings were raised and the windows expanded, and a large companion cabin, fitness centre, and relaxation areas were planned. The helideck appeared to be the main innovation among open spaces.

Now gross domestic volume after conversion is 1859 GT. The vessel has an impressive cruising range of 12 thousand nautical miles. Three Scania engines provide a cruising speed of 10 knots and a maximum speed of 12 knots. Pitch stabilisers were installed.

The master and six double cabins are decorated in a Scandi-chic aesthetic, with soft light grey walls, artificially aged wood panelling, and leather furnishings. There is nothing better than, after a day on the Zodiac dinghy, walking up to the heated cabin window in your slippers and watching the polar landscape rush by while drinking hot chocolate.

The main salon, with large excellent view windows, is a comfortable place where guests gather to share stories (and selfies) of their daily adventures and listen to the guides. There is also a bar counter here—cocktails and aged single malt whisky go perfectly with sea stories. However, it is quite possible to maintain a sports regime away from home. There is a large gym on board to keep your muscles toned, and there are plenty of open spaces for stretching or even for a short jog along the sides. Since the Nansen Explorer goes solo for a long time, it also has a well-equipped lazarette.

The stern is occupied with a huge helideck, worthy of a 90-meter yacht. The Nansen Explorer also boasts helicopter refuelling capabilities. Would you like to make another trip to your favourite heliski slope or bring a business partner on board, conduct quick negotiations, and take him back? – No problem! The site is registered for commercial use and can accommodate helicopters with a maximum weight of 4.8 tons and a blade span up to 13 meters (AS 350 or equivalent). In principle, it can accommodate two small cars. On fine days, sun loungers are pulled out here to pamper yourself with the rays of the sun in the high latitudes.

A hangar with “toys“ is a real Ali Baba’s cave for an adventurer: your eyes run wild and you want everything at once. Here is a rack of eight kayaks, SUP boards, a lot of diving kits, climbing equipment for the icy slopes, alpine skis, touring skis, water skis... The Zodiacs are stored openly on the upper deck, as well as powerful cranes.

Nansen Explorer has two well-known partner companies with extensive experience in extreme tours and polar expeditions—Nansen Polar Expeditions and EYOS Expeditions. The professionals prepare superyachts for sailing in high latitudes. Nansen Polar Expeditions was founded by partners with more than 30 years of experience in leading expeditions, organising wildlife surveys, and conducting biological research. Its staff served as consultants on the nature documentaries "King of the Penguins," "The Blue Planet - 2," and "The Frozen Planet - 2.". EYOS employees, all in all, have spent more than 350 years on extreme travel.

Having experienced operators is an obvious advantage for a charter in a specific market—the owner is unlikely to travel on a Polar Explorer year-round. But now it is you who can use it as a commercial vessel for exclusive tours. It’s also a good idea to travel in the company of professional guides and experienced polar explorers who can help organise extreme entertainment.

Three trips are already planned for this year. Two of them have already taken place—in February, the Nansen Explorer sailed to Antarctica, and on April 27, the yacht returned from an 8-day heli-skiing tour of Greenland. Plans for the end of October include a photo expedition to the island of South Georgia, that is, again, to the far south.

There were always surprises on previous flights. One evening, guests were unexpectedly called into Zodiacs to see a leaping humpback whale up close. Another evening, the team pleasantly surprised guests by taking them to a remote natural hot spring, but not just for a swim. Another evening, the team pleasantly surprised guests by taking them to a remote natural hot spring, but not just for a swim. When the guides opened the backpacks, it turned out that they contained champagne and snacks. It turned out to be an impromptu picnic. In Iceland, we unexpectedly took off by helicopter—the weather allowed us to fly around an active volcano. The interests of science are not forgotten either. Fulfilling an order from the American Department of Meteorology and Geodetic Research NOAA, the expedition ship delivered materials to Cape Shirreff (South Shetland Islands) for the construction of a new station for the study of krill in the Southern Ocean. The interests of science are not forgotten either.

“The Nansen is the perfect blend of rugged commercial vessel and yacht,” says EYOS CEO Ben Lyons. “It has the power and endurance of a ship designed to operate deep in the ice, as well as a crew with extensive experience in polar operations. However, with only 12 guests on board, the vessel offers the kind of personal touch that can be found on yachts. The most important thing is that Nansen Explorer has a real soul.”