One Ocean Expeditions’ statement regarding Akademik Ioffe and Akademik Sergey Vavilov:
One Ocean Expeditions’ Statement
May 21, 2019 (SQUAMISH, BC)- One Ocean Expeditions Inc. (“OOE”) began chartering the vessels Akademik Ioffe and Akademik Sergey Vavilov exclusively in 2011and 2012, respectively with OOE holding long term renewal options every year since. The vessels are owned by Russian government entities.
“In recent days OOE was informed that the owners of the loffe and Vavilov have suddenly and unexpectedly withdrawn the vessels from passenger service. Their decision comes as a complete surprise to OOE and is out of our control. The withdrawal of the vessels for the 2019-20 season is a breach of the owners’ contract with OOE and is now the subject of legal action,” said OOE’s Catherine Lawton.
OOE has undertaken to openly and proactively communicate the full account of what has transpired with our clients, agents, partners and field team.
“OOE proudly launched our newest vessel, RCGS Resolute, in 2018, and we have had an overwhelmingly positive response. RCGS Resolute is superior in both ice class (1AS), passenger facilities and comfort for polar expedition cruising and beyond. We are working with our agents and clients on an urgent basis to find alternatives for planned travel in the short-term, and RCGS Resolute will play a key role in those arrangements. For those passengers unable to re-book we are working closely with agents and clients to arrange refunds.” added Lawton.
“OOE thanks our clients, agents, and partners for their patience and understanding as our team works through the present setback as expeditiously as possible. At the same time, we remain focused on the future. OOE is actively advancing a fleet renewal plan and we look forward to announcing further details in the weeks and months ahead,” she said.
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