A Diamond in the Ice
Quark Expeditions, the leader in polar adventures, announces the newest member of its fleet, the Ocean Diamond. This ‘Super Yacht’ will be the first to deliver CarbonNeutral® voyages to Antarctica, another addition to the company’s long list of polar “firsts.”
Quark will offset the emissions of the Ocean Diamond, the company’s newest ship, thereby offering the first carbon neutral voyages in polar travel history. Travellers to Antarctica, one of the world’s most remote and remarkable destinations, will be guaranteed to have a “green” experience at no added cost to any of the 189 passengers.
“Since the company’s inception, Quark has been committed to environmentally responsible tourism,” said Hans Lagerweij, president of Quark Expeditions. “By operating the Ocean Diamond Antarctica voyages as carbon-neutral, we show it’s possible to visit incredible places and preserve them for future generations. The average emissions per passenger are significantly lower than some former Quark vessels.”
Carbon dioxide emissions from burning fossil fuels are the largest source of climate-altering greenhouse gas emissions. In order to neutralise the effects of Quark’s Ocean Diamond voyages on the environment, Quark Expeditions will offset an estimated 5,682 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e) with select hydro, wind power and reforestation CarbonNeutral® projects based in Turkey, Kenya, China and India.
By offsetting the greenhouse gas emissions from the Antarctic Ocean Diamond voyages with these projects around the world, Quark is effectively neutralising more CO2e than an entire space shuttle flight. It’s the same as removing 1,114 cars from the road for one year and Quark is leading by example by setting the industry standards for carbon offsetting.
The offsets assessment was conducted by The CarbonNeutral® Company, a world leading provider of carbon reduction solutions, and the projects supported will be part of The CarbonNeutral® Company portfolio. The inaugural voyage of the Ocean Diamond will depart on 3 November 2012 on the Falkands, South Georgia and Antarctica itinerary.
There are three once-in-a-lifetime Antarctic itineraries on board the Ocean Diamond that last between 10 to 20 days. All the voyages aboard the Ocean Diamond offer the perfect opportunity to discover the best of the Antarctic region and its iconic sights such as penguins, seals and whales whilst enjoying modern amenities. There are a host of optional activities such as photography courses, camping and kayaking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing across enormous snow fields and mountaineering which present the opportunity to get up close and personal with the big ice and the wildlife. An on-board polar library stocked with fascinating books and periodicals and expert-in-residence talks will enhance the overall Antarctica experience.
The inaugural trip is to the Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctica: Explorers and Kings
