Non-technical Project Proposal SummaryMS FRAMThe Northwest Passage - In the Wake of Great Explorers Westbound 29 August - 10 September 2018 Voyage CENFRNWP1801andEastbound 10 - 22 September 2018 Voyage CENFRNWP1802MS FRAM is a passenger ship owned and operated by Hurtigruten AS of Tromsø, Norway. The vessel will be employed to operate two cruises to the Qikiqtaaluk and Kitikmeot regions of Nunavut. Project duration is for 17 days, from 02 – 18 September. The vessel will clear immigration and customs in Pond Inlet (arriving from Greenland) on 03 September and clear out (also in Pond Inlet) en route back to Greenland on 17 September. Community visits are planned for Pond Inlet, Gjøa Haven and Cambridge Bay. There will be up to 240 passengers and 80 crew members (including 15 members of the expedition team) on board per voyage. The Company plans to include the hiring of an Inuit Beneficiary to serve as a Cultural Interpreter. Local services and guides will be employed when visiting communities.Method of Transportation:MS FRAM – passenger shipProposed use: Vessel providing transportation and accommodationsFuel: 465 m3 litres diesel fuelStorage Methods: Built-in fuel tanks of the vesselPolarcircle tender boatsQuantity: 7 (5 with 80 hp outboard engines; 2 with 200 Hp engines)Proposed use: Sightseeing tours and to facilitate shore landingsFuel: 348 litres diesel fuel (filled from the ship’s main tanks)KayaksQuantity: 6 doubles (guest use) and 4 singles (for instructors)Activities include sightseeing by ship, Zodiac cruising, kayaking excursions and shore landings for activities such as guided interpretive walks, bird- and nature-watching and hiking. Activities will follow standard operating procedures and will be managed by the Expedition Leader with the assistance of a highly-experienced team of expedition staff members. Landings will be of short duration and in coastal areas. Visits will follow AECO guidelines available at www.aeco.no, as well as Welcoming Visitors to Nunavut guidelines and the Code of Conduct for Operators in Nunavut as provided by Cruise Nunavut.No structures will be erected (permanent/temporary), docks or piers to support the proposed tourism activity. The vessel’s tenderboats will be used for making shore landings in wilderness areas. Appropriate arrangements in areas where docks or piers are available for use.Where applicable, permit and license applications will be submitted to the appropriate authorities and permits/licenses carried on board. A detailed operations plan has been compiled to evaluate environmental aspects of the planned activity and to ensure compliance with requirements under Federal and Territorial legislation. Operations have been planned to be fully self-sufficient, with activities managed by experienced personnel and to be within the search and rescue capability of the vessel, including for medical evacuation.An Environmental Impact Statement has been prepared. Alternatives considered were:•Changes to itinerary•Changes to number of guests•Changes to vessel and auxiliary craft used•Changes to activities•Alternative of not proceedingIt is anticipated that the environmental impact resulting from the planned activity will be not more than minor or transitory in nature.