Meet The Meredian
Meredian is a versatile, ocean-going expedition and support vessel designed for operations in Antarctica, South Georgia, and other remote regions. Combining comfort, endurance, and fuel efficiency, she is ideally suited for scientific research, filming, logistics, resupply missions, and specialist expeditions.
Her cargo hold of 100m3 capacity and fuel capacity of 150 cbm, powerful crane, and ability to carry a 20-foot container weighing up to 5.5 tonnes on deck, together with a dedicated landing craft, two long-range expedition RIB and two landing boats, provide exceptional logistical flexibility.
All guest cabins feature private bathrooms, with single-occupancy options available. A panoramic deck saloon and dedicated conference room make Meredian equally suitable for private expeditions, photography, workshops, and research projects.
Operating within 60 South’s regular Antarctic Fly-Cruise program during the high season and available for specialist charters throughout the shoulder months, Meredian offers an excellent combination of comfort, operational capability, and versatility.
Inside of The Meredian
Landing Craft
Meredian carries a purpose-built, heavy-duty Aluminum hull, landing craft designed for logistics and shore operations in remote and challenging environments. With a 2.3-tonne payload capacity, a bow ramp for easy loading and unloading, and a 500 kg hydraulic crane, it is ideal for transporting personnel, scientific equipment, cargo, and supplies to locations without port infrastructure.
Powered by twin 90 HP Yamaha four-stroke outboard engines, the landing craft offers excellent maneuverability and operational flexibility. Its robust construction and shallow-draft design make it particularly suitable for Antarctic beach landings, scientific fieldwork, filming operations, and expedition logistics.
RIB boats
Meredian carries two purpose-built, long-range expedition RIBs designed for extended exploration and operations in remote polar environments. Featuring robust aluminum hulls, high-visibility yellow pontoons, and integrated fuel tanks for extended range, these boats provide a safe and versatile platform for exploring remote coastlines, fjords, and areas inaccessible to the mother vessel.
Equipped with GPS navigation, AIS, VHF radio, depth sounders, and navigation lights, the RIBs are ideally suited for wildlife observation, photography, scientific research, filming, and reconnaissance missions. Their maneuverability, extended range, and rugged construction make them essential tools for exploring Antarctica, South Georgia, and the Southern Ocean.
Expedition Landing Boats
Meredian carries two purpose-built expedition landing boats designed for safe and efficient passenger transfers and shore operations in remote polar environments. Featuring reinforced rubber bottoms with additional protective rubber layers, these boats are particularly well suited for frequent beach landings on rocky and uneven shorelines, offering enhanced durability and resistance to abrasion.
Landing Craft Availability
Technical Specs
| Dimensions | LOA 29.40 m | – | Beam 8.60 m | Draft 5.10 m |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tonnage | – | |||
| Construction | Steel | Built 1987 | Portugal | |
| Machinery | Alpha Man 850 HP | – | – | – |
| Tanks | – | – | ||
| Speed | 9 knots cruise | |||
| Endurance | 90 days at sea | |||
| Capacity | 12 guests | 10 crew | ||
| Accommodations | 6 double cabins | 2 single cabins | All with ensuite bathrooms | |
| Common Areas | Deck saloon, bridge, top deck, aft deck, foredeck | |||
| Navigation | Full bridge with modern navigation systems GPS, radar, sonar, AIS | |||
| Communication | – | |||
| Safety | 2 liferafts, lifejackets, EPIRB, SARTs, MOB boat | |||
| Certifications | Ice Class 1C | Full IAATO member | Maritime safety certified | |