Professor Molchanov (Russian: «Профессор Молчанов») is a Russian (formerly Soviet) ice-strengthened oceanographic research vessel. The ship was built in Finland in 1983 and is now converted to passenger duties for the expedition cruise market.

Professor Molchanov at bay in Barentsburg
Professor Molchanov at Barentsburg
History
Russia
NameProfessor Molchanov
OperatorOceanwide Expeditions
Port of registryMurmansk, Russia
BuilderOy Laivateollisuus Ab, Turku, Finland
Launched28 December 1982
Identification
Statusin service
General characteristics
Class and typeAkademik Shuleykin-class research vessel; now passenger vessel
Tonnage1,753 GT
Length69.7 m (228 ft 8 in)
Beam12.8 m (42 ft 0 in)
Draft4.5 m (14 ft 9 in)
Ice class
  • KM*UL(1)A2
  • (equivalent to Lloyds 1D)[1]
Installed power2 × diesel engines ME, 3,120 hp (2,330 kW)
Speed10 knots (19 km/h; 12 mph)
Endurance70 days
Capacity48 passengers
Crew32

Research vessel

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Professor Molchanov is an Akademik Shuleykin-class ice-strengthened vessel, built in Finland for the Soviet Union. Launched on 28 December 1982, she was named after Pavel Molchanov, radiosonde inventor, on his 90th anniversary. Between 26 January 1983 and 7 September 1991, the ship was used for polar and oceanographic research. She made 34 research cruises as a Soviet research vessel,[2] including three global hydrology expeditions held by Murmansk Hydrometeorological Administration:[3]

Since 2012, annual expeditions have been conducted on board the ship within the framework of the Northern (Arctic) Federal University Floating University project.[4]

Passenger ship

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On board MV Professor Molchanov in the Kara Sea during the Arctic expedition "Arctic Floating University 2013"

The ship was converted for passenger use, and is now operated by Oceanwide Expeditions for expedition cruising in high latitudes.[1] She has one suite, 23 twin cabins and 2 triple cabins. The public areas consist of a lounge and bar, small library, infirmary, and sauna. The dining room also serves as a lecture room.[5] There are viewing areas on the open deck and passengers are usually welcome on the bridge. She has Zodiac craft for landings and wildlife viewing.[1]

References

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  1. ^ a b c "m/v Professor Molchanov". Oceanwide Expeditions. Archived from the original on 1 January 2010. Retrieved 12 June 2011.
  2. ^ "Information on RV Professor Molchanov". Federal Target Program World Ocean (in Russian). Archived from the original on 2012-07-08.
  3. ^ "List of global ocean RV cruises 1964-1999". Russian National Oceanographic Data Centre (NODC).[permanent dead link]
  4. ^ "Arctic floating university | Russian Geographical Society". www.rgo.ru. Retrieved 2018-12-19.
  5. ^ "Professor Molchanov". Adventure Associates. Archived from the original on 7 July 2011. Retrieved 12 June 2011.
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