Posted: Feb 15, 2006 10:06 am EST
(ThePoles.com) Last year was a dramatic time for the Russian side of the North Pole. In a logistics cold war, French Cerpolex simply plucked teams of the ice, stating their safety was in jeopardy. This year however, everything is back to order and Barneo will even be opening earlier then usual (end of March). And here's a scoop for you: Guess who's coming for some NP sledging this year: Prince Albert of Monaco!

All set to go

Here goes Center Polus press release on the 2006 season:

"Centre Polus and Vicaar began its 2006 Arctic season by providing the logistical support of Borge Ousland and Mike Horn expedition, as follows:

1. Received all necessary authorizations and organized the performance of boundary and customs control.
2. Delivered expedition equipment and fuel (white gas) at Cape Arctichesky.
3. Accompanied the participants from the moment of their arrival till the start from Arctichesky
4. Arranged skiers landing with a help of helicopters.
5. Search-and-rescue operations in a case of emergency.

In February, Vicaar and Polus plan to provide full logistic support for 5 expeditions (2 by dog sledges and 3 by ski) from Cape Arctichesky to 88ºNorth (Canadian side).

To accomodate Borge Ousland and Mike Horn who plan to reach the North Pole already by the end of March, Centre Polus intends to set up the Barneo ice camp earlier than usual (end of March). Scheduled evacuation of this group will be performed by Mi-8 helicopters from the North Pole to Barneo camp and then to Longyearbyen via first passenger flight of An-74.

Barneo Ice base - the Four Seasons of the North Pole?

In 2006, the Barneo camp will offer the following new and improved services:

- 2 large (72 sq.m each) main cabins (one for tourists and one for thechnical staff)
- 12 heated living modules (30 sq.m.) of a brand new design.
- 4 cargo airdrops using IL-76 and An-12 airplanes,
- 4 cargo and 9 passenger flights of An-74
- A number of charters involved in customized Barneo programs.
- Beside the traditional programs (Last Degree, Parachuting, Express, 3-day tourist) a new program - 3-day skier - will be introduced.

Weber, Malakhov, Shparo and Prince Albert

In April Centre Polus will support the expedition of Mikhail Malakhov and Richard Weber. Mikhail will go from the North Pole to Canada and Richard will start from Canada and ski toward Mikhail.

Centre Polus will perform several supplies by Mi-8 helicopter during the expedition and pick Richard up from the North Pole, and deliver him to Longyearbyen.

Together with the Adventure club of Dmitry and Matvey Shparo (Russia), Centre Polus will provide expedition support for Barneo honorary guests – prince of Monaco Albert II and his group. They intend to reach the North Pole within several days using dogsledges.

Finally, as in the past years, we will provide the NPEO scientific project of University of Washington with runway, fuel, accommodation and helicopter support on our Barneo base."

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