SPLIT — Quark Expeditions has taken ownership of a “game-changing” vessel that will further cement its position as a leader in polar adventures.

The official handover of the 128-metre Ultramarine took place in Split, Croatia earlier this month, where Andrew White, President of Quark Expeditions referred to the polar vessel as more than just a new ship.

“Today, we officially welcomed into our fleet a game-changing vessel that will soon become an unrivalled operational base for polar adventures,” he said. “This commitment of time and money, especially during an industry-challenging pandemic, reflects our confidence in the future of polar travel and underscores our commitment to delivering life-changing polar experiences no one ever thought possible.”

Accommodating 199 guests, the Ultramarine will feature the following:

• Two twin-engine helicopters and two heliports: The H145 helicopters will allow more passengers to simultaneously experience new destinations accessible only by air, and to enjoy more aerial perspectives of the Polar regions than on any other ship.
• Quick-deploy Zodiacs: the 20 quick-launching Zodiacs at four embarkation points mean the expedition team can load and embark Zodiacs faster, safer and easier than ever before.
• Adventure options: With its two helicopters and 20 Zodiacs, Ultramarine will offer an industry-leading portfolio of off-ship adventure options that include flightseeing, heli-hiking and helicopter-supported alpine kayaking, among others.
• Advanced sustainability: Ultramarine’s sustainability features include the Micro Auto Gasification System (MAGS), which converts waste into energy at the site that it’s generated. MAGS eliminates the environmental impact of waste transportation, offering an innovative sustainability feature that exceeds industry standards.

For more information about Ultramarine go to https://www.quarkexpeditions.com/ca/expedition-ships/ultramarine.