An Arctic expedition under the Russian Ministry for Civil Defense, Emergencies and Disaster Relief departed Naryan-Mar and will travel over 1,600 kilometers.

“We are launching a large-scale expedition to test new rescue methods and alternatives in adverse climatic conditions,” Emergencies Minister Alexander Kurenkov said at the launch ceremony.

He added that social projects were an important aspect of the expedition. They plan to meet with the local people, representatives of indigenous Arctic ethnic groups, and oil and gas workers and residents of field camps.  

“Of course, we will pay special attention to children. Our rescue workers will conduct safety lessons, and they will offer first aid tips,” the minister said.  

Expedition members will try out nearly 20 models of new and prototype technology, equipment and gear. In addition to Naryan-Mar, they will visit the Varandei field camp, townships of Karataika, Amderma and Ust-Kara, the Yarynskaya compressor station on the Badaratskaya Estuary coast, and the city of Labytnangi.

The expedition is taking place ahead of the Emergencies Ministry’s Arctic exercise, scheduled for April 6-7 in nine Russian regions.