Namibian learner joins Arctic expedition
Teaghan Beresford sets sail on an epic adventure
A Namibian learner has joined a Russian-led international Arctic expedition aboard a nuclear icebreaker.
A Namibian learner from Swakopmund is among a select group of 66 school children from 21 countries who boarded a Russian nuclear icebreaker on 13 August for the sixth international Arctic expedition “Icebreaker of Knowledge”.Fifteen-year-old Teaghan Beresford, representing Namibia, joined the journey from Murmansk through the North Pole to Franz Josef Land and back.
The trip coincides with the 80th anniversary of Russia’s nuclear industry and the 500th anniversary of the Northern Sea Route.
“My first impression of Russia is that it is beautiful and so different from any place I have seen before, and the landscape is very peaceful,” Beresford said at the start of the adventure.
The expedition combines science and education, exposing participants to the workings of a nuclear icebreaker, the testing of Russian rovers in Arctic conditions and lectures by nuclear and space industry specialists.
The group was expected to reach the North Pole on 17 August and will return to Murmansk on 22 August.
Once-in-a-lifetime adventure
Organisers said the competition to take part was intense, with more than 67 000 applications received worldwide.
According to Russia’s Youth Affairs Federal Agency, over 4 000 entries came from outside Russia.
“This year’s competition set a record with more than 1 400 people applying for each place,” said Grigory Gurov, expedition expert and head of the agency.
Namibia’s participation highlights growing exposure of local youth to international science initiatives.
While Namibia has no nuclear industry, it is among the world’s top uranium producers, with the Husab and Rössing mines among the largest. Industry observers say such international experiences could shape future scientists.
The “Icebreaker of Knowledge” is organised by Rosatom’s Atomic Energy Information Centres with the support of Russia’s nuclear corporation. Since 2020, more than 400 young people have participated. In 2024, the programme was opened to international learners for the first time.
Russia remains the only country in the world operating a fleet of nuclear icebreakers, with eight vessels currently in service. Officials said they see such expeditions as both a scientific platform and a tool of international soft power.