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

Unlike other vessels in the 60 South fleet, Meredian is uniquely equipped with a dedicated landing craft, enhancing its ability to support complex logistics and remote operations. This landing craft is exclusively assigned to Meredian and is not available on other ships, such as the Hans Hansson. This ensures guests and project teams benefit from superior shore access and independent deployment capabilities during expeditions.

Technical Specs

DimensionsLOA 29.40 m–Beam 8.60 mDraft 5.10 m
Tonnage– 
ConstructionSteelBuilt 1987Portugal 
MachineryAlpha Man 850 HP–––
Tanks–– 
Speed9 knots cruise
Endurance90 days at sea
Capacity12 guests10 crew 
Accommodations6 double cabins2 single cabinsAll with ensuite bathrooms 
Common AreasDeck saloon, bridge, top deck, aft deck, foredeck
NavigationFull bridge with modern navigation systems
GPS, radar, sonar, AIS
Communication–
Safety2 liferafts, lifejackets, EPIRB, SARTs, MOB boat
CertificationsIce Class 1CFull IAATO memberMaritime safety certified 

Interested in one of our trips?

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Three penguins jumping onto an ice shelf in Antarctica

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