MV Hondius cleared by health authorities to resume full operations

Dutch expedition cruise ship MV Hondius has been cleared by health authorities to resume full service after a disinfection process in Rotterdam following a hantavirus outbreak.

The vessel, operated by Oceanwide Expeditions, will now prepare for its first voyage of the Arctic season which departs from Longyearbyen on June 13.

A team of 13 biosecurity experts from specialist company EWS Group carried out the disinfection process which covered all eight decks of the ship and treatments of all surfaces.

As hantavirus is transmitted via rodents, the vessel was declared rodent-free by professionals as part of the process.

All crew members present during the voyage on April 1 from Ushuaia when the cases of hantavirus were discovered have disembarked the vessel and are still in quarantine.

Rémi Bouysset, Oceanwide Expeditions chief executive, said: “We are grateful for the professionalism and commitment shown by all parties involved. 

“The close cooperation between our teams and the operational expertise provided by EWS Group played an important role in the successful completion of this complex disinfection operation and the vessel’s preparation for return to service."