SOLA
Our new addition to the fleet
‘SOLA’ is a tough expedition vessel, built in 1989 for commercial fishing in the North Sea and is now converted to join the Antarctic fleet as a little ship with big potential. With a cruising speed of 10+ knots, comprehensive range of safety, operational and navigational equipment, in commercial survey, Ice Class, she is fully capable for big things ahead!
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HISTORY
From 1989 to 2024, Sola Fide was a fishing vessel in the North Sea. She is a Dutch beam trawler and one of the biggest in the fleet.
She is currently under construction and renovation to become a new research focused polar expedition vessel.
SOLA will be ready for your projects at the beginning of the 2025/26 Antarctic season!
Before
After
The heart
At 44 metres (144 foot) and with a 3,000 Hp Stork-Wartsila 6SW280 engine to push her along, the vessel has the strength for the harsh conditions.
Under way
SOLA is a motor yacht and will always travel under motor. Full height safety rails make her a very safe craft in rough weather.
Navigation
SOLA is equipped with state-of-the-art navigation, GPS, radar, hydrographic and communication equipment, allowing us to travel to the most remote destinations on the planet.
Deck Cargo
SOLA has the capacity to carry 2 x 20 foot or 6 x 10 foot shipping containers on deck. Dry cargo or freezer containers with power supply.
Cargo Hold
SOLA can accommodate 80 m3 of break bulk cargo hold .
Fuel Capacity
SOLA carries 130 m3 of diesel and has a fuel delivery capacity of up to 100 m3.
Main Saloon
SOLA has the luxury of two saloons, the main saloon and the Bridge saloon. Inside the main saloon you will find generous space for all 12 guests to share their stories from the day’s adventures.
Bridge Saloon
Up in the bridge saloon is where the Captain and crew will be controlling the vessel. This is a wonderful space to soak in the panoramic landscapes as well as learn about how the crew navigates the icy waters.
Cabins
On board SOLA, there are a total of 8 cabins, all with private en-suite to provide that luxury expedition feeling! SOLA can carry a total of 12 guests in addition to the ship’s crew and technicians.
Galley
Alongside a huge walk-in fridge and walk-in pantry, the galley is also equipped with an oven and stove top, dishwasher, microwave, kettle and a double sink with hot and cold water.
Ice Worthy
SOLA meets the requirements of Ice Class 6. This means she has a strengthened hull to enable her to push through first-year ice, as well as machinery developed to meet the requirements of polar expeditions.
Aussie BBQ
An essential part of equipment onboard Australis and SOLA, is the Aussie BBQ, providing wholesome meals, good fun and often solutions to the worlds greatest problems… all with a beer in hand.
• Engines:
– Main Stork wartsila 6SW280 1500kW
– Generator 1 & 2 Volvo Penta D13B-E MG (FE) 3 phase
– Generator 3 (reserve) Volvo Penta TD 720 GE 3 phase
• 12 large, comfortable passenger berths
• Safety rails all round
• Deck lights for efficient night work
• Water maker (desalinator) 37 cubic metre storage
• Massive equipment storage space with additional below deck cupboards and storage space
• Deck crane – 4 ton @ 2 metres SWL knuckle deck crane
• Can have 2 x 20 foot shipping containers on deck for storage
• 155 cubic metre fuel capacity
• Zodiac Mil Pro 12 pax 50hp outboard
• Full navigation equipment
• Radar & AIS – Furuno, commercial grade
• Depth sounder – Furuno, commercial grade
• GPS – Furuno GP32
• Auto pilot – SIMRAD
• EPIRB & SART
• World-wide integrated electronic charts
• Starlink internet access
• Iridium satellite phone
• Radios – 3 x Sailor Compact VHF RT2048
• 6 x VHF marine hand held radios
• 240 volt electricity throughout (110 volt conversion available)
• Heating throughout
• Bridge and main saloon area
• Flat screen TV
• Separate guest toilets, bathrooms and hot showers
• Washing machine and dryer
• Outdoor BBQ on rear deck
• Wet / Dry lab (Please request in advance)
• Computer lab (Please request in advance)
• Starlink internet access
