m/v Plancius

​M/v “Plancius” was built in 1976 as an oceanographic research vessel for the Royal Dutch Navy and was named “Hr. Ms. Tydeman”. The ship sailed for the Dutch Navy until June 2004 and was eventually purchased by Oceanwide Expeditions. The vessel was completely rebuilt as a passenger vessel in 2009 and complies with the latest SOLAS-regulations (Safety Of Life At Sea). M/v “Plancius” is classed by Lloyd’s Register and flies the Dutch flag.

• Length: 89 meters (293 feet)
• Breadth: 14,5 meters (47 feet)
• Draft: 5 meters (16 feet)
• Ice Class: 1D 

• Propulsion: 3x Diesel-Electric
• Speed: 10.5 knots average cruising speed
• Stabilizers: Hull design & Keel system
• Refurbished: 2008/2009 & 2023

TECHNOLOGY & FUEL

• Ice-strengthened vessel with diesel-electric propulsion and an electric engine.
• LSMGO and Oceanwide’s environmental operating practices.

CO2 Emissions

Diesel-electric propulsion helps reduce fuel consumption and the vessel’s environmental footprint. Oceanwide describes the electric engine as making Plancius quieter and more environmentally friendly.

Waste Management

Plancius participates in beach-cleanup initiatives and deposits collected waste in a dedicated Clean Up Svalbard bin in Longyearbyen for environmentally responsible processing.

Citizen Science Programs

Scientific activities have deep roots in the Plancius Foundation, which has hosted researchers studying Arctic litter, invasive species, climate change, and ocean conditions. Passengers can also participate in citizen-science projects, while scientific equipment such as ARGO floats is transported to support ongoing research.

Local First Initiative / Communities

Clean Up Svalbard is coordinated by the Governor of Svalbard in cooperation with AECO. Local volunteers from Longyearbyen conduct annual beach cleanups, while participating expedition companies contribute through their own cleanup activities and ongoing data collection.

12m² (129ft²)
3 guests (2 lower berths) Cabin 202
Private shower & toilet
Porthole
Deck 2 – Aft

only one cabin*

12m² (129ft²)
2 guests (2 lower berths)
Private shower & toilet
Porthole
Deck 3 – Front

13,5m² (145ft²)
2 guests (2 lower berths)
Private shower & toilet
Window
Deck 4 – Aft

22m² (237ft²)
2 guests (1 double bed + sofa)
Private shower & toilet
2 Windows
Deck 5  & 6 -Aft & Mid