3YØLPeter I Island DXpedition 2027

Vessel

DAP MARES vessel for the 3Y0L Peter I Island DXpedition

Key Points

  • We retained EYOS to vet vessels and helicopters, and to help us plan the expedition logistics.
  • We looked at vessels ranging from $1.5M and up to $5M, and The Betanzos came highly recommended by them.
  • We personally travelled to Chile and USA to visit and inspect multiple vessels; this was done by persons outside the leadership group but by members of Delta Xray Group.
  • We have received 5 years of maintenance records, repairs, and details of what upgrades have been done to Betanzos.
  • DAP MARES was the company that successfully executed the 2006 DXpedition to Peter I Island.
  • Our Expedition contractor EYOS has performed multiple expeditions to Peter I Island previously, including our Expedition guide from EYOS. We team up with very successful and experienced companies where both DAP and EYOS have previous Peter I experience.

Among other

  • In 2023 the vessel was upgraded allowing the vessel to obtain Polar Ship Certificate under the Polar Code.
  • Structural reinforcement: Structural reinforcement in the bow area (ice belt and internal stiffeners) for safe navigation and transit through ice-covered waters.
  • Marine electronics and acoustics: Installation and configuration of the Simrad EK80 scientific echosounder/sonar system, including the mounting of all its transducers.
  • Structure and watertightness: Overall repair and maintenance as well as structural repair of the fore peak.
  • Replacement of the vessel's entire propulsion system.
  • Replacement of the crankshaft on the starboard main engine.
  • Installation of a new generator engine.
  • Major overhaul on another engine.
  • Firefighting: Upgrade and renewal of the exposed fire main circuit on decks, including the complete replacement of piping and fire hydrants/valves.
  • Deck equipment: Comprehensive overhaul of both bow cranes and installation of new deck crane.
  • Engine room systems: Renewal and replacement of piping for the fire main circuit and the cooling system in the engine room.
  • Navigation bridge: Upgrade and redesign of the navigation bridge layout.
  • Maintenance and certification of the vessel's entire mooring system.
  • Completed the maintenance of the cylinder head on the starboard main engine.
  • Annual certification of safety equipment (immersion suits, boats, life rafts, fire extinguishers, and CO2 bank).

Vessel is in the process of completing in maintenance period prior to startup of the Antarctica season in October. Vessel will be certified, insured and fully comply with all standards and requirements and will be equipped with two helicopters.

We have the contractual right to bring our own helicopter pilot, this is being worked on.

DAP MARES has grown to be the market leader in this segment, they are fully booked every season and EYOS run multiple expeditions every season with DAP MARES.