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Crystal charters icebreaker to escort Northwest Passage cruise

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RRS Ernest Shackleton will escort Crystal Serenity through the Northwest Passage. (Photo: British Antarctic Survey)
Crystal Cruises said it has arranged a charter of the icebreaker RSS Ernest Shackleton to escorte Crystal Serenity's 32-day Northwest Passage voyage in August. The charter was agreed wtih Tactical Marine Solutions of Victoria, BC, and the icebreaker's operator, British Antarctic Survey, based in Cambridge, UK.

Ernest Shackleton is an ICE 05 classed icebreaker (exceeding the more common 1A Super class) that will provide operational support to Crystal Serenity, including ice breaking assistance should the need arise. It also will carry additional safety and adventure equipment.

The icebreaker wiil carry two helicopters for real-time ice reconnaissance, emergency support and flightseeing activities. In addition to its robust ice navigation and communications equipment, the vessel will have supplemental damage control equipment, oil pollution containment equipment and survival rations for emergency use.