Grounding of MS Nordkapp Did Not Cause Environmental Damage in Antarctica

A few weeks ago, the Norwegian Coastal Voyage (NCV) MS Nordkapp hit the rocky bottom while entering the caldera of Deception Island, a volcanic island off the coast of Antarctica. The passengers were evacuated to another NCV ship the MS Nordnorge. Although there were no injuries, many were concerned about the possibility of environmental damage. Several parties monitored the possibility of oil or gas leakage, but have found no traces of discharge. Anyone who has traveled to Antarctica will be relieved to hear the good news!

NCV has also announced a generous refund policy for the affected passengers on both the MS Nordkapp and the MS Nordnorge.

Antarctica Photo (c) Linda Garrison

No Environmental Damage or Trace of Pollution From The MS Nordkapp; Generous Refund Policy Set for Affected Passengers

New York, NY, February 6, 2007 -- Norwegian Coastal Voyage and its parent company, The Hurtigruten Group, are reporting that no environmental damage or traces of pollution have been found at or around Deception Island in Antarctica, the site of the MS Nordkapp’s recent grounding. An extensive investigation and analysis of the area was undertaken by several authorities at the request of the company.

As expected, all traces of the limited discharge of marine gas oil from the MS Nordkapp had disappeared by Saturday, February 3. This is consistent with the fact that marine gas oil easily evaporates and rapidly degrades, helping to minimize any effect a spill may have on the environment.

Several parties have been involved in mapping the extent and consequences of the discharge:

• The Gabriel de Castilla research station, February 4, 2007 -- the Spanish Gabriel de Castilla research station, located in Port Foster, Deception Island, reported that the water and sand samples were clean and that no traces of discharge had been found in the area.
• IAATO (International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators), February 3, 2007 -- IAATO sent instructions to all ships in the area to report any observed leakages. No ship has reported observing any leakages to date.
• The passenger/cruise ship Hanseatic, February 4, 2007 -- the ship inspected the coastline from Collins Point to Headland, a distance of 2.5 miles. They went ashore in eight separate locations and took beach sand and water samples. The samples revealed no traces of discharge.
• The passenger ship Polar Star, February 3, 2007 -- the crew inspected the area between Pendulum Cove and Whalers Bay and found no traces of discharge.

The Hurtigruten Group has been in continuous contact with IAATO and the Norwegian Polar Institute throughout the operation. In light of the extremely positive reports, the Norwegian Polar Institute has announced that it will not be necessary to perform further flyovers or analysis voyages by boat in the region in the coming weeks.

In the interests of the environment, the Hurtigruten Group intends to perform a survey of the immediate area around the MS Nordkapp’s current location in Maxwell Bay in order to ensure there have been no discharges in the area. The company also intends to carry out a further inspection when the MS Nordnorge visits Deception Island next week. This is in line with the wishes of the Norwegian Polar Institute.

Refund Policy for Nordkapp Passengers
Nordkapp passengers (on involved January 17 departure): 50% cash refund of cruise portion. In addition, passengers are provided a 30% discount for future (2007-08 season) Norwegian Coastal Voyage cruises (on the cruise portion only), including voyages in Norway, Greenland and the 66-day World Cruise*.

Nordnorge passengers aboard during the transfer of Nordkapp passengers to the Nordnorge: 100% cash refund of brochure package itinerary. In addition, passengers are provided a 30% discount for future (2007-08 season) Norwegian Coastal Voyage cruises (on the cruise portion only), including voyages in Norway, Greenland and the 66-day World Cruise*.

Nordkapp passengers on the three cancelled sailings (Jan. 31, Feb. 14, 28): 100% cash refund of brochure package itinerary. In addition, passengers are provided a 30% discount for future (2007-08 season) Norwegian Coastal Voyage cruises (on the cruise portion only), including voyages in Norway, Greenland and the 66-day World Cruise*.

*Bookings have to be received by April 1, 2007. Travel has to be completed within 2008.

Press Release Source: Gillies and Zaiser
Dateline: February 2007