These ships also have sufficient hull strength to absorb high-powered rams into the ice. The hull shape is designed to maximize icebreaking by efficiently combining the forces of the ship's forward motion, the downward pull of gravity on the bow, and the upward push of the inherent buoyancy of the stern. The curved bow allows the ship to ride up on top of the ice, then the bow is levered through the ice like a giant sledgehammer. There are also three pairs of connected tanks located on opposite sides of the ship. Operations in the remote, hazardous, and unforgiving polar regions make it necessary for the crew to be highly self-sufficient.
Crew members have extensive training in a variety of special skills.
This is looking south over McMurdo Sound, toward the Pole . Whoops, I forgot something in New Zealand . Return to Virtual Tour Home Page. Virtual Tour Site Map.