Seasoned pro to lead Expedition Voyage Consultants operations

'As the industry continues to expand at an unprecedented pace, building on our talented team with decades of bona fide expedition experience reinforces EVC’s leading position. Peter’s background will be key to our offering the finest expedition advice in the industry, whether in ship design, operations, itinerary development or market analysis,' EVC ceo Ben Lyons said.

Butz began working on the pioneering expedition ship Lindblad Explorer in the late 1970s. As expedition leader, he managed voyages to the far-flung corners of the world, including Antarctica, the Great Barrier Reef, the Arctic and the Amazon. In those early days of the industry, few ships were reaching these destinations, and Butz describes those years as 'true exploration.'

Butz went on to join Special Expeditions (now Lindblad Expeditions) as expedition leader. Over eight years, he sailed to Alaska, Baja California, Papua New Guinea, the Arctic and Amazon. In 1989, he transitioned ashore to manage vessel operations. For the next 25 years, first as vp fleet operations and then as chief operating officer, he oversaw the company’s growth to six globally deployed vessels as its employees and contractors grew to almost 500.

Recently, Butz spent three years consulting independently and overseeing Alaskan Dream Cruises’ expansion.

'Having started my career in the field, I’m thrilled to be joining a team that places such a emphasis on practical experience,' he said. 'The team at EVC represents decades of managing and running expedition logistics and operations on all sizes and types of ship; I look forward to providing our clients with some of the hard-won experience we’ve all learned first hand.'

EVC offers independent, full-service expedition cruise consultancy. The team consists of expedition leaders, captains and executives who provide investors and operators expert advice on all aspects on the industry. EVC projects have ranged from planning and operating record-setting expeditions in the Northwest Passage to market analysis and due diligence for private equity investment firms. Recently, EVC partnered with European shipyard Damen to launch a 'fit-for-purpose' expedition vessel concept.

In addition, EVC’s expertise in submersible operations led the company to help design a seven-person submersible, providing a deep submersible experience to the cruise market.

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