Team prepares for mission in LongyearbyeN

Best Explorer arrived in Longyearbyen, Svalbard, on 28 July and is now being readied to head into the wilds of the Svalbard archipelago.

Following a difficult crossing of the Barents sea, Best Explorer arrived in port ready to begin the scientific leg of the expedition. But before it could head out, there was a lot to do!

Kevin surveys what NOT to take aboard!

The Polarquest2021 team have been busy preparing for the upcoming scientific expedition. On the to-do list:

• refuelling and restocking the ship with food and water
• bringing on board all the necessary scientific and safety equipment
• testing out the sonar and drones
• counting up the crew!

Placing Stickers from the expedition partners.

The Polarquest2021 team have been busy preparing for the upcoming scientific expedition. On the to-do list:

• refuelling and restocking the ship with food and water
• bringing on board all the necessary scientific and safety equipment
• testing out the sonar and drones
• counting up the crew!

Dominik and Gianluca finalise the installation of the Norbit Sonar, ready for testing in the water.

Alongside the logistical planning, the team also took the opportunity to carry out a polar-bear protection refresher course. The team learned the best ways to avoid human-bear interactions, minimising the risk of any humans or bears being eaten or shot!

This is just the start of the Polarquest 2021 Save the White expedition. The full crew will now embark Best Explorer, setting off around the archipelago to carry out their research.