Citing continued uncertainty about whether the Barneo Ice Station will open, Vincent Colliard has canceled his solo North Pole expedition.
“I had a meeting yesterday…and they unfortunately cannot confirm the opening of [Barneo] yet,” Colliard told ExplorersWeb. “The Norwegian aviation authorities are asking for more papers. Also, 35 of the Russians who operate Barneo still don’t have their visas to Norway, although they submitted their passports two months ago.”
Despite widespread European sanctions because of the Ukraine invasion, Russians are permitted to enter Norway, as long as they have a visa. But fearing an influx of Russians trying to flee their country’s military draft, Norway has tightened its requirements since last summer.
Staging operations for building the ice station take place out of the Norwegian islands of Svalbard. So the Barneo workers need this Norwegian visa.
“I told myself I would wait for a confirmation until mid-March,” said a disappointed Colliard. “I can’t wait any longer.”
Barneo is built on the ice of the Arctic Ocean at about 89˚N — 100km from the Pole. It is also crucial for the North Pole tourist season. Several outfitters use Barneo for last-degree ski trips, a North Pole marathon, and champagne flights to the Pole.
