AKADEMIK SHOKALSKIY (Cinderella stamp)

[aukepalmhof]

From the Cinderella files – In 2006 a set of four miniature sheets, each
containing 4 stamps, were issued to commemorate Kiwipex 2006. Of the 16 stamps 6
show ships. 2 show a bulk carrier (AMERICAN TERN), two a Russian research ship
(AKADEMIK SHOKALSKIY) and one each a US Coast Guard icebreaker (USCGC POLAR SEA)
and a US research ship (NATHANIEL B PALMER).

Ship Type: Passenger
Year Built: 1982.
Builder: Oy Laivateollisuus – Turku/Abo - Finland
Length x Breadth: 72 m X 13 m
DeadWeight: 620 t
Powered by two diesel engines, 3,120 bhp, twin shafts.
Speed recorded (Max / Average): 13.7 / 10.2 knots
Length overall: 71.6m
LPP: 64.2m
Beam: 12.8m
Flag: Russia [RU]
Call Sign: UBNF
IMO: 8010336, MMSI: 273458210

The Akademik Shokalskiy was built in Finland in 1982 for oceanographic research.
The ship has since been refurbished in 1998 for passenger use and is ideally
suited for expedition cruising. Public areas on the vessel include a lounge/bar,
a lecture room/library, sauna, infirmary and dining rooms. Views are excellent
from the large, open deck and navigation bridge (where we are almost always
welcome). The atmosphere aboard is relaxed, more akin to that of a private
expedition than a conventional cruise ship. She has an ice-strengthened hull and
passive stabilizers is good for tough expedition cruising as it is able to
navigate scenic areas for smooth sailing where many other vessels cannot.

2010 In service, owned by Far Eastern Research at Vladivostok, Russia.

December 2013 trapped in ice in the Antarctic a rescue operation is underway to reach the trapped ship,

A Russian particular issued envelope shows the ship.

Sources and links: Mirimar. Soviet Merchant Ships 1989 by Ambrose Greenway.
http://www.oceanadventures.co.uk/vessel ... alskiy.cfm.
http://www.newzeal.com/steve/Ships/akademic.htm.