MV Hans Hansson

MV Hans Hansson was built in 1960 in Norway. The ship is owned by 60 South Ltd (based in The Falklands) and is currently operated under charter by Quixote Expeditions. Until 2018, the vessel was chartered by Quark Expeditions (a USA-based polar cruise company).

Originally, the vessel served the Norwegian Lifeboat Association as the rescue ship "RS Skomvær II". She operated in the North Sea and Barents Sea (Arctic Ocean). Over 25 years, she assisted 704 ships in distress and saved 106 lives. In 1986, RS Skomvær II was purchased by the Swedish Lifeboat Association and fully refitted, including additional hull ice strengthening. In 1988, she was relaunched under her current name, "MV Hans Hansson". During the following decade, she assisted 243 ships in distress and rescued 55 people.

In 1998, the vessel was decommissioned and sold to private owners. A major refit in 2005 upgraded all systems and extended the superstructure. The interior was fully refurbished to provide comfortable accommodations for 12 passengers and 6 crew. Retaining her original seakeeping qualities, MS Hans Hansson is well suited for safe, extended voyages worldwide. She currently operates itineraries from Chile to the Antarctic Peninsula (departing from Punta Arenas and Valparaiso–Santiago), as well as expeditions in the Falklands (Malvinas) from Port Stanley (East Falkland Island, UK).

The vessel's draft is only 11 ft (3.4 m), allowing access to remote islands and coastal destinations. The hull is classified ICE-C (light ice conditions), while the superstructure is aluminum. She carries four partially enclosed lifeboats. Ship-to-shore communications are provided via Inmarsat Capsat Fleet 77 (satellite phone and Internet).

Shipboard facilities

The interior of MS Hans Hansson has been rebuilt with contemporary lining materials, while original fittings and doors were preserved where possible to maintain the vessel’s rescue-ship character. Today, she is equipped as a functional yet comfortable polar expedition vessel. All staterooms are located in the forward section of the superstructure, separated from the aft crew areas. Meals are served family-style, and due to her homelike atmosphere and intimate size, passengers often assist with setting and clearing the table.

Hans Hansson’s potential applications include polar expeditions, themed cruises (photography, diving, hiking, mountaineering, Northern Lights), educational film productions (supporting crews with professional equipment), and scientific research in polar regions.

Quark cruise deals

Quark Expeditions cruise fares are inclusive of:

• 1-night pre-cruise hotel stay and group transfers (airport–hotel on the day prior to departure, and hotel–ship on embarkation day)
• onboard accommodation with daily housekeeping
• all onboard meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner); note that the galley cannot prepare kosher meals
• all Zodiac landings (daily, weather permitting), transfers, and cruising
• media presentations by Expedition Team members and guest lecturers
• waterproof expedition boots for shore landings
• complimentary Quark Expeditions parka
• lifejackets and immersion suits
• complimentary coffee, tea, and cocoa (available 24/7)
• hairdryer and bathrobe in all cabins
• pre-departure materials (including maps)
• all service taxes and port fees
• onboard luggage handling
• emergency evacuation (medevac) insurance up to USD 100,000 per person
• Fly-cruise packages additionally include complimentary house wines (by the glass), beers, and spirits onboard, gratuities for staff and crew, and all domestic flights prior to embarkation
• laundry and ironing services at additional cost
• ship-to-shore communication via Inmarsat Capsat Fleet 77 (satellite phone and Internet), available at extra charge