Sailing Arctic and Antarctic waters within the same year

2021 again was a tough year during the Covid19 pandemic. In such times we are very glad to see what hard working crews and office teams are able to achieve, demonstrating the good relations we have with clients, vessel owners and partners involved.

One noteable story of the year 2021 was the route map of our BBC MARYLAND, which comprised of 8 voyages with in total 33 port calls (bunker calls etc excluded). Adding on top of this very nice performance, there was one nice and special fact to note: BBC MARYLAND and her crew managed to sail the Arctic and Antarctic waters within the same year.

In the summer, the BBC MARYLAND had been sent to the Arctic port of Gydan in the Sabetta area, Russia, to deliver project cargo for a local gas project. Prior this call, the vessel had been upgraded in Germany to meet Polar Code standards. Following this voyage which was concluded successfully, the BBC MARYLAND was being allocated for a sailing to the Palmer Research station in Antarctica. After some intermediate voyages in South America before we matched our client's laycan in Punta Arenas before Christmas, the vessel was ready to sail Antarctic waters. Owing to delays on the project site, BBC MARYLAND was ordered to wait, which meant, that in the end we missed the "target" which we had set ourselves (to arrive at the Palmer Station within the same year, i.e. 2021) by 3 days. Still, the project was a huge success, resulting in both client and carrier being very happy about the achievement made.

We take this opportunity for a big shout out to the team of Delft Schiffahrt in Emden and the crew(s) of BBC MARYLAND for their relentless efforts and great performance. Always safe and always professional!