Professor Molchanov

The 1982-built MV Professor Molchanov ("Профессор Молчанов") is a polar expedition cruise ship owned by Roshydromet Arkhangelsk (Russia’s Hydrometeorological and Environmental Monitoring Centre).

The vessel (IMO number 8010348) is currently Russia-flagged (MMSI 273458500) and registered/homeported in Arkhangelsk. She was previously chartered by Oceanwide Expeditions.

One of the Arctic expedition vessels, MS Molchanov is a Russian ice-strengthened oceanographic research ship also operated as a cruise vessel. She was built in Turku, Finland, for the USSR (Soviet Union) and entered service in 1983. Today, the ship is converted for passenger operations, serving the small-ship expedition cruising market. Her sisterships are the same-design Russian research vessels (also operated as cruise ships): Professor Khromov (Spirit of Enderby), Akademik Shuleykin (Polar Pioneer), Akademik Shokalskiy, and Professor Multanovskiy.

Launched on December 28, 1982, the vessel is named after the radiosonde inventor and meteorologist Pavel Alexandrovich Molchanov (1893–1941) and was christened on the scientist’s 90th anniversary. Between January 26, 1983, and September 7, 1991, the ship was used for oceanographic and polar research, completing a total of 34 scientific expeditions. Among these were the following global hydrology expeditions organized by the Murmansk Hydrometeorological Administration:

• 1984 (April 28–June 10) – itinerary through the Norwegian Sea, North Sea, Northeast Atlantic Ocean, and Barents Sea
• 1989 (September 19–November 30) – itinerary through the North Atlantic Ocean, Greenland Sea, Norwegian Sea, and Barents Sea
• 1989–1990 (December 12–February 22) – itinerary through the South Atlantic Ocean, Norwegian Sea, Barents Sea, North Sea, and North Atlantic Ocean

Laivateollisuus Oy was a Finnish shipbuilding company based in Turku, Finland, operating between 1944 and 1988. In 1983, the yard was acquired by Valmet Marine, which in 1987 became part of Wärtsilä, before being closed in 1988. Laivateollisuus built various types of marine vessels, including schooners (a total of ninety three-masted wooden schooners). At its peak, the yard was Turku’s third-largest shipbuilder (after Valmet and Crichton-Vulcan), employing around 750 workers.

The polar-class expedition ship Molchanov was originally designed and used as an oceanographic research vessel. Following a major drydock reconstruction and refurbishment in 1996, MS Molchanov began operating both Russia-sponsored Arctic research missions and privately chartered polar cruise itineraries. Other vessels of the same Akademik Shuleykin-class (now converted and operated as cruise ships) include Akademik Shuleykin (1982, now Polar Pioneer), Akademik Shokalskiy (1982), Professor Multanovskiy (1983), and Professor Khromov (1984, formerly Spirit of Enderby).

MS Molchanov’s cruise itinerary program features Arctic expedition voyages.

Decks and Cabins

For cruise passengers, MS Molchanov staterooms (26 total) include 1 Suite (Amundsen Suite, room 513 on Deck 5), 2 Superior cabins (rooms 510–517), 12 double cabins with en-suite bathrooms (411, 413, 415, 418, 420, 421, 425, 426, 505, 509, 518, 521), 9 double cabins with shared bathrooms (311, 314, 315, 321, 322, 326, 327, 331, 332), 2 Triple cabins with shared bathrooms (312–313), plus 3 staff cabins (309, 310, 337, for tour guides and expedition staff).

All passenger cabins are cleaned daily. Towels are changed upon request only. Bedsheets are changed every third day. Room service (food or beverages) is not available. Laundry service is provided at an additional per-item charge and is handled by the cabin staff via forms and laundry bags available in each cabin. Laundry is collected in the morning. Ironing services are also available at an extra charge. The vessel has no self-service laundry room or dry-cleaning service.

Electrical outlets are European standard Plug Type C (two round pins). All cruise cabins have opening windows or portholes. Cabin temperature control is adjustable, regulating the flow of warm air from vents. Throughout the ship, the average indoor temperature ranges between 21–24 C (70–75 F).

• Amundsen Suite is sized 270 ft2 (25 m2) and has an en-suite bathroom.
• Superior Cabins are sized 190–225 ft2 (18–21 m2) and have en-suite bathrooms.
• Twin Cabins are sized 100–125 ft2 (9–12 m2) and are available in two types: with Private Facilities (en-suite bathroom) and with Shared Toilets (common baths).
• Triple Cabins have Shared Toilets and are sized 110–120 ft2 (10–11 m2).

The vessel has 6 decks, of which 5 are passenger-accessible and 3 include cabins.

Professor Molchanov vessel details

Main onboard facilities include a small Library (polar and reference books, playing cards, and board games), an Infirmary (medical clinic), a Sauna (capacity for 5 people, complimentary, open daily on a self-use, unsupervised basis), a bar lounge, and two restaurants (buffet-style dining rooms with table service). One dining room also serves as a lecture hall. The ship features open-air viewing areas on the bow and stern decks, as well as near the Wheelhouse/Navigation Bridge. An open-bridge policy allows passengers to visit the Wheelhouse at any time, except during adverse weather conditions.

All onboard announcements are made in English via the PA (public address) system and include wildlife sightings, disembarkation instructions, itinerary updates, and weather information. The cruise company’s Expedition Leader and staff provide regular briefings on zodiac landings, as well as a lecture program featuring multimedia presentations and documentary films. Each evening, the next day’s program (lectures, dining times, and scheduled activities) is distributed to all passenger cabins.

The bar lounge is bartender-served. Wine and champagne (by the glass) are available in the dining room and at the bar. The ship’s Hotel Manager oversees all passenger services (including onboard accounts) and supervises both the international service staff and the Russian crew.

The vessel is equipped with Zodiac craft for wildlife viewing, coastal cruising, and shore landings. Like all polar cruise ships, MS Molchanov has an ice-strengthened hull designed for safe navigation in ice-prone waters. She does not feature a Jacuzzi (hot tub), swimming pool, elevator, or helipad (helicopter deck). Key vessel details include:

• Max draught: 4.5 m (15 ft)
• DWT (deadweight tonnage): 2,113 tons
• Displacement tonnage: 10,000 tons
• Operational range: 3,560 km (2,210 mi)
• Max speed: 14 knots (16 mph / 26 kph)

The Zodiacs are RIB boats (rigid inflatable boats) powered by four-stroke outboard engines, providing good speed and maneuverability.

The vessel (Turku shipyard/hull number 344) is powered by two marine diesel engines (model 6ChRN 36/45) with a combined power output of 2.3 MW. The propulsion system is single-shaft, fitted with one CPP (controllable-pitch propeller).

Note: In areas with poor AIS coverage, tracking the vessel’s current position may be unavailable. CruiseMapper’s list of all icebreakers and ice-breaking research ships can be found in the “itinerary” section of our Icebreakers hub, where all participating states and their fleets are listed.