Saving Shackleton Heritage: Meredian Supports Conservation Work in Stromness, South Georgia
The Saving Shackleton Heritage project marks one of the most significant conservation initiatives taking place this season in South Georgia. Led by the South Georgia Heritage Trust (SGHT), the mission focuses on stabilizing the historic Stromness Manager’s Villa—an iconic site tied to the rescue of the Endurance crew in 1916.
This year, 60 South is proud to support the project, with our vessel Meredian serving as the operational platform throughout the season.
Preserving a Historic Landmark of Polar Exploration
The Stromness Manager’s Villa is one of the few remaining physical links to the Heroic Age of Exploration. It was here, in May 1916, that Ernest Shackleton, Frank Worsley, and Tom Crean secured help after their remarkable crossing of South Georgia—a pivotal moment that led to the rescue of the Endurance crew.
Decades later, after the whaling industry ceased, the villa fell into disrepair within the hazardous remains of the Stromness whaling station. The Saving Shackleton Heritage project aims to stabilize and conserve the structure for future generations, with plans to develop a 3D digital twin that will make the site globally accessible despite its remote and restricted location.
Meredian’s First Voyage Under 60 South
This season marks Meredian’s first voyage under the 60 South flag, and she arrived in South Georgia after navigating a challenging crossing—documented in early images shared directly from her crew.
Now positioned in Stromness Bay, Meredian serves as the base of operations for SGHT’s team of heritage experts from Norway and the United Kingdom.
These specialists bring extensive experience in restoring structures originally installed by Norwegians during the whaling era, ensuring the villa’s authenticity as work progresses.
A Dedicated Landing Craft for Remote Field Operations
Meredian is the only vessel in the 60 South fleet equipped with a dedicated landing craft, assigned exclusively to her. This capability has already proven essential in Stromness, where shore access is difficult, and conditions shift rapidly.
The landing craft allows the team to:
- deploy the Landy used by field personnel
- transport equipment and supplies safely
- operate independently and with precision along remote shorelines
This level of logistical support is crucial for a conservation project situated in one of the most remote and inaccessible environments in the Southern Ocean.
A Collaboration Rooted in Conservation and Logistics
The Saving Shackleton Heritage project brings together science, heritage, engineering, and international collaboration to preserve the legacy of Shackleton. SGHT and the Friends of South Georgia Island (FOSGI) have united the support of major contributors, including:
- RSK Group
- Garfield Weston Foundation
- Barry and Marie Lipman
- Frederick Paulsen
- the fund established by the late Bob Burton
Ocean Expeditions, aboard Sola, is also assisting with personnel and cargo transport.
Through this partnership, the project builds on two decades of SGHT’s work in restoring South Georgia’s wildlife and cultural heritage.
Follow the Progress from South Georgia
As the project unfolds, Meredian continues to support SGHT’s team on the ground, offering logistical reliability in a remote and challenging environment.
We will keep sharing updates as the season progresses!
