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3Y0K - Bouvet Isl.

  • Nov 20, 2025
  • 17 min read

Updated: Mar 13


3Y0K Update (Mar 13)



We're currently focusing on getting all persons off island this weekend. There is a forecasted wx window Saturday and Sunday, and if that holds, we will be off air.


The wind is still quite strong, around 40 knots, but is expected to decrease. If weather does not permit full extraction, we will remain on air for some more days, as next window maybe Tuesday (uncertain).


Camp setup has been rearranged this morning, and we have 4 ICOM and FLEX radios running now with ACOM amplifiers, 500 to 1 kW. These will remain on air for as long as possible.


We have taken down the topband antenna as it conflicts with the heli landing area. We will be QRV on all other bands for now but expect this night to be the last one for 80m. By today all Yagis will be down but we will still run QRO.


The team is well and in good spirit as we have reached 100.000 QSOs. Focus now is to extract ourselves in a safe way, with sufficient essential supplies for those remaining onshore.


More info will follow.


3Y0K Team.



3Y0K Update (Mar 10)



While the previous days has been good, the current weather at Bouvetøya is strong wind 25 m/s and rain and we have difficulties to walk and stand up while outdoor. The160m antenna broke today and the 20m yagi is also damaged and not in use. We have spare parts ready for the antennas, but currently it is deemed unsafe to raise the Yagi in this strong wind. We will get it up as soon as the weather allows it.


One of the smaller tents is also damaged in the adverse weather. For radio and sleeping we have large and solid tents from Arctic Lavvo in Norway. These have proven to withstand strong wind also during the previous 3Y0J trip, and so far, no issues with them. The damages so far won’t impact the operation, we have backups that will be installed should we experience more damages.


The current forecast is that we will have this weather until the weekend, so more action is possible. Today we had some food delivered from the vessel in the morning, it is not every day you order a pizza to be delivered by helicopter to Bouvetøya! This was welcomed by the operators who have eaten MRE since they arrived Saturday 28th to give you this new band slot. Each day we have 3 MRE meals from a Norwegian manufacturer. We do have a social tent where we meet for the meals and talk not only about radio but also other things.


The daily routine is that we have 6h shift rotation in a schedule so we can work during different timeslots and experience various propagation and bands. Last night there was a good opening on 160m, so it is a priority to get this antenna up when weather allow.


We currently have 6-7 stations up and running and will keep this until the weekend. It is likely we will see a partial tear down if there is a weather window this weekend or early next week. We still plan to stay as long as possible next week, but the weather window will dictate when we must return to vessel. We have currently logged more than 70.000 contacts, and we thank everyone for being in the pileup!


73, 3YØK.



3Y0K Update (Mar 07)



The team is doing well on Bouvet, we are all in good spirit as we see the camp build up take place and operation is now going well.


We have all tents and antennas installed at this point. We have 4 Yagis installed, WIMO monobanders on 15 and 20 + two dual banders on 17/12 and today a 5 element monobander on 10m. We have 18m top loaded spiderpole on 160m, full-size on 40m using Spiderbeam poles. We run in band operation on 40,20,17,15,12 and 10 using our ICOM radios and ACOM amplifiers also supported by DX Engineering hardware. 


We also have a FLEX Aurora 500W radio setup. We have 6 stations and amplifiers with 500W to 1 kW + power output, and we have enough fuel to run high power throughout the operation.


On Top Band you should look for us as we are QRV every night through our sunrise. Propagation on some bands is challenging, and they close earlier than expected. All yagis have excellent take off towards EU/Asia and also NA. Our camp is located at the upper area where we planned to setup a NA camp. There is no camp in the lower area due to the wildlife. Since we visited Bouvet last time the global warming has made the glacier recede, so the seals and penguins now occupy a large area of Cape Fie even as much as 3-400 meter uphill. In some ten years from now, this area might be out of reach for any expedition!


The weather at Bouvet is windy and cold and it is challenging to keep the antenna farm up. While we have reached our max setup, we see increased maintenance, things that must be fixed and repaired.


We had several days with high wind, snow and rather cold days. Setting up antennas in this weather has been challenging, but fun! Today is an exceptional day with no wind and blue sky, a truly very nice day at the island that also allowed us to take a hike and do some sightseeing.


Our logs will be uploaded once a day and you can check the log at M0OXO website. We expect to run another 7-9 days at full setup before we start planning how to gradually extract from the island.


73, 3YØK



3Y0K Update (Mar 05)


While many may have seen a notice about a SuperFox key being issued by the NCDXF, the team has decided Not to use SuperFox FT8 and will continue using F/H.


Here is a link to how to work stations on F/H



The main points are to call above 1,000 and set the software to hound mode. Not really complicated, but many are calling below 1,000 and even on the 3Y0K TX frequency. They will never get a QSO and are clogging up the system.



3Y0K Update (Mar 04)


QSL Manager M0OXO reports:


The first Log update has been received from the Team on Bouvet.


The log has been uploaded to Clublog and M0OXO OQRS.


Please report Busted/Missing Calls by the form on OQRS, emails may not be answered for some days. The form on OQRS is for your benefit and to make the process as efficient as possible,



3Y0K Update (Mar 03)


Finally, a nice sunny day here on the island. Both camps are safe and secure with 8 tents in total. One camp is located at the NA focus location.


Equipment is - 10 ICOM 7610 radios and 10 amps in the camps- ACOM 2020s,1400s & 500s.


We have antennas for all bands in the air except 10m. We are operating 4 stations now from 500W to 1 kW+. Two yagis for 20m + one for 17/12, 1 18m top-loaded 160m, 1 full size 80m verticals.


Tomorrow the 10m antennas will go up, with an another for 17/12.


Expect 160m every night as long as the antenna holds up. We do have spares!


Tonight, we plan 160,80,40 & 30m.


Expected operation till March 18 or 20, weather dependent.



3Y0K Update (Mar 02)


The NA camp is within 50 meters of the planned location on the mountain with very strong signals coming in last night, FT8 and CW.


The team is presently building antennas for 20, 30, 40 and 160 meters in the remaining 4 +/- hours of daylight.


Tomorrow more Yagis will go up and the KW amps will be utilized.


Remember, the logistical conditions here change in an instant, and the team is doing their best to push ahead for the DX community. The nasty comments will do nothing to change what is.


QRV will be posted when ready.



---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Livestream:

The team leaders chose to Not use livestreaming due to unreliable internet connections corrupting uploads. When the connection fails, logs get Stuck and can suddenly send false data when connections are restored.


Pirates:

Pirating expeditions is a problem all face therefore the Work first Worry later method has become an accepted fact in chasing any expedition, particularly rare ones such as Bouvet.


QRV verification:

lease understand the team is doing their best to operate the few small stations while continuing to build the camps in extremely difficult condition of weather. They are doing this to provide some opportunities through digital and CW modes and will, as soon as possible begin SSB with bigger antennas and higher power.


Communication to Pilots:

Having not yet deployed any Starlink devices, focusing on getting the camps built, the passing of information relies on one Iridium device which by virtue of using satellites has been obstructed by the heavy cloud cover and constant rain.


Note:

We, the off-island piloting group are as frustrated by this as you are and cannot simply make up news to satisfy every question asked.


The Most Current information follows:


From the Island as of 12:00 UTC March 2 -


"We have 16 people on the island now building the camps. Five tents are up, food, fuel, radios, Yagis and amplifiers are being assembled.


Today, March 2 and tomorrow March 3 antennas are being erected. please be patient - weather is extremely challenging but the team is working well together to make sure that they can provide You all with solid signals around the globe.


We hope to have 4 or 5 stations up, QRO, by sunset here.


Negativity on social media and cluster comments do Nothing to help the DX community and we will continue to ignore those who only wish to complain. As conditions improve more information will flow.


Thanks, the 3Y0K team.



3Y0K Update (Mar 01)


Half the team is on the island at this time and will work on getting one radio / antenna running to start TXing.


The band / mode will be announced shortly - awaiting this information.


WX is tough so be patient please. Remember, the island is Not at all hospitable to human occupation.


Stay Tuned.



3Y0K Update (Feb 27)


We arrived at Bouvetøya this morning, but the weather and sea state is still not favorable for us to start going onshore today. During our daily meeting today with the captain, pilots and expedition crew, we discussed the weather forecast. During the last few days, we have stayed in an area with adverse weather and waves up to 8-10 meters, which is the reason for us slowing down the speed.


The vessel is handling the sea very well and we are all satisfied with that. We are now currently looking into a weather window on Saturday and Sunday, and as long as the conditions don’t change it is likely we will make an effort to go ashore this weekend. The pilots and crew are ready and confident in the helicopter, and we will now start our final preparations for landing.


At this stage we cannot tell when we will be on the air. The main priority is to focus on the upcoming weather windows, get the gear and people onto the island and secure the camp with tents and provisions – before the radio/antenna installation starts. Our pilot James KB2FMH will inform when we are going to be QRV.



3Y0K Update (Feb 25)


The vessel is in an area with adverse weather and ETA is now Friday morning 06:00 local time. We have slow downed our speed significantly and there is no need to rush to get there as we are not missing any weather window for now. We are still doing our preparations and will be ready when weather allows.


Source: Ken LA7GIA


3Y0K Update (Feb 23)


The team is excitedly preparing for arrival at Bouvet – which depending on some factors (mostly weather) will either be Wednesday evening or Thursday morning.

Everything is going well on the vessel; it handles the sea very well and has no problem running at 14 knots+. The weather has been fantastic for the past 2 days, but tomorrow we expect the sea to be a bit rough.

 

All team members are in good spirits and only a few persons are seasick; meanwhile, our preparations continue. We’ve fine-tuned our logistical approach and have established a flight plan with all equipment going onshore, and we have had meetings with pilots, vessel, and expedition crew. All merge very well into the team, and we are on this mission together.


We are evaluating various scenarios that may unfold and discuss / mitigate what we see as obvious risks. We’re confident that the preparations we’ve made based on our experience will take us one step closer to getting onshore and will adjust as we see necessary.


The Helicopter, being a workhorse and a solid aircraft, the pilots are very confident in this machine and express that this helicopter is the right choice for such an operation.

 

We have published a band plan on our website (link below), where our team will have a strong focus on the human modes, but digital modes are also being strategized.

 

We will release more information soon; the next update can be expected once we are onshore the island.



Source: https://3y0k.com


3Y0K Update (Feb 21)


The 3YØK team departed Cape Town this morning aboard the Danish registered vessel Argus from Icetugs, beginning the 1,500‑nautical‑mile transit to Bouvet Island.


Argus completed scheduled maintenance and survey work prior to her arrival in Cape Town, ensuring full readiness for the voyage. Earlier this week, the expedition helicopter was loaded, inspected, and secured on deck. Both the vessel and the aircraft have successfully passed all required inspections.


We appreciate the strong commitment demonstrated by the pilots, mechanic, expedition guides and vessel crew as we move forward together as one team to make this a successful expedition.


The captain and crew are performing excellently, and the team is enjoying good meals prepared by the ship’s chef. Despite encountering rough seas during the first day at sea, preparations continue onboard as we expect to arrive at Bouvet on February 26th at approximately 08:00 local time.


Further updates regarding our band plans and DQRM strategy will be shared as we approach the island.


We extend our sincere thanks to all contributors for your continued support!


Source: https://3y0k.com


3Y0K Update (Jan 25)


Due to unforeseen circumstances, the 3Y0K DXpedition to Bouvet Island will be delayed by approximately two weeks. Our vessel requires additional maintenance to ensure it is fully prepared for the demanding voyage to one of the most remote and challenging locations on Earth.


While this delay is disappointing, the safety of our team remains our highest priority.


The adjustment does not change the overall strategy of the DXpedition, which has been carefully planned over the past three years.

 

We will continue to keep you informed as our schedule is updated.


Source: https://3y0k.com


3Y0K Update (Nov 20, 2025)


3YØK Bouvet medical and support team


The 3YØK team can announce the addition of a strong medical and support team for our 2026 Bouvet expedition!


We have the pleasure to inform we have added 6 persons to the team all with excellent experience within medical, safety, evacuation, and emergency situations.


They will function as medical and support team during camp build up and assist in building and maintaining the camp, as well take on responsibility for making this a safe expedition for all of us.


That includes analysing weather forecasts and prepare the team for storm and shelter.


Shawn is our team doctor, a specialist in emergency physician medicine from the USA. He is supported by Julia who is currently doctor in charge at the Neymar III base in Antarctica, as well one more doctor from Switzerland HB9FKF, is joining us. Shawn is also supported by his brother Neil who is a scientist in Alaska for the National Park service.


In charge of the SAR operations at Bouvet is Peter who also joined us at Bouvet previous time – he has a proven track record supporting expeditions in remote areas like Arctic/Antarctica


Birgir is a seasoned expedition guide with over 15 years of experience operating in extreme environments, specializing in glacial terrain and harsh winter conditions.


The team is ramping up our preparations for Cape Town departure in February. In two weeks’ time we plan to pay the next deposits in total $650,000. By that time we have invested around $1,650,000 in the expedition. 


We are still seeking donations to close our budget. In addition we need two more operators. If you want this to be a successful expedition, please consider supporting us. Our target is to raise $60,000 before departure and you can help us by donating via donate@3y0k.com


We thank all our supporters for your help!

73 3YØK team


3Y0K Update (Jul 2025)


We are pleased to announce that Max Freedman N4ML and Alex Schengber DL2ALY joined out team.


Max is 21 years old, has been licensed since 2015, and became an Amateur Extra in 2023. He is active on HF chasing DX and contesting, and can be heard from the ARRL HQ station W1HQ as Max works for the ARRL as a support specialist / education and learning.


Alex is 26 and licenced since 2009. An aviation engineer, he is currently part of the German Antarctic research station Neumayer III, active as DP0GVN. He managed the first contacts from down there in QO-100, built big wire yagi antennas for 80 and 160m, and is active on 144MHz EME.


We wish to thank Northern California DX Foundation (NCDXF), on behalf of Max and Alex, for their unsurpassed commitment to support young hams joining the DXpedition community by covering Max’s operator fee and a generous part of Alex’s for the Bouvet Island 2026 DXpedition.


This offers Max and Alex the amazing opportunity to be part of a truly high caliber expedition!


Source: https://3y0k.com


3Y0K Update (May 2025)


ICOM is a Premier Sponsor for the 3Y0K DXpedition


ICOM is now a Premier Sponsor for the February 2026 DXpedition to Bouvet Island with the callsign 3Y0K ( www.3y0k.com )

ICOM has provided an incredible amount of equipment for this complex project:


3Y0K is a project aiming to land 24 amateur radio operators on 2 separate camps, by helicopter, on Bouvet Island. The team will use the Icom VHF radios to stay in contact with the vessel, the helicopter pilots and the two separate operating camps.


The Icom satellite radios would be used to connect with the vessel, the 2 separate camps and also with the NA and EU pilots in New York and Norway.


The team will travel to Bouvet Island using and Icelandic icebreaker starting from Cape Town, South Africa on February 1, 2026


Bouvet Island is an uninhabited remote Norwegian territory located in the South Atlantic Ocean and it is covered 93% by ice.


Bouvet is currently #10 on the ClubLog Most Wanted DXCC list


Please support this complex project by going to the DXpedition website and donate via Credit Card or PayPal: http://www.3Y0K.com


Source: https://3y0k.com


3Y0K Update (March 2025)


In February 2026, less than a year away, an international team of very courageous amateur radio operators will land on Bouvet Island. Bouvet is a Norwegian overseas territory and lies in the South Atlantic Ocean, with 93% of its surface covered by ice and snow. It sets the record as the Most Remote Uninhabited Island on Earth and currently ranks #10 on the Most Wanted DXCC listing at ClubLog.


Operating as 3Y0K, our team will attempt to give as many ATNOs as possible and be active in all amateur radio bands from 10 to 160m. We will direct our attention to human modes of CW & SSB but will also be active in FT8, RTTY and QO-100 satellite with up to 12 operating stations.


We have secured the necessary permit to land on Bouvet Island by helicopter, issued by the Norwegian Polar Institute. Our plan is to start the sea journey in Cape Town, South Africa, from where an icebreaker under the Icelandic flag we’ll take us to the island in (hopefully) 7 days. Since landing depends on the weather conditions, we are scheduled to be on and around the island for up to 21 days. A helicopter will assist us in bringing ashore a significant amount of equipment to setup a camp with two radio tents. One radio tent on the lower area of Cape Fie, and one radio tent on the upper area with better take off to NA. Upper camp will focus on working NA.


The logistics behind this project are complex and require a budget of $1.65M. Most of the money will be used to pay for the services offered by the icebreaker and its crew, the helicopter with its two pilots and one mechanic, as well as the fuel for both. Each team member is contributing a significant amount to the budget, and they will also incur additional costs for commercial airfare, two side trips to Norway required by various tasks, winter sleeping bags and clothing, etc.


Passionate amateur operators and clubs around the world as well as multiple companies are supporting this project. As prime example, Northern California DX Foundation (NCDXF) have pledged up to $200K, of which half matched against donations received from outside of North America. Companies such as DX Engineering, Icom, RF Power and ACOM are supporting the team with a multitude of radio equipment components. We also teamed up with a small private group to share the large costs of the DXpedition.


Please visit our website at http://www.3Y0K.com to read more about this project, the team, the latest news, and learn about the complex preparations the team is engaged in to ensure that its mission will be executed safely and successfully. At this time, we are looking to raise an additional $200K to avoid putting further financial strain on the team.


Your financial support is critical, so please consider donating either directly and/or through the clubs, associations, and foundations that you are members of. We will be very happy to make a Zoom presentation about this project to the membership of your organization at a time of your convenience. Meanwhile, we intend to continuously track the level of fundraising on our expedition website to inform everyone as to where we are in this endeavor.


Thank you in advance for your support, we look forward to contacting you from the Most Remote Uninhabited Island on Earth!


Source: https://3y0k.com


3Y0K Update (January 2025)


3YØK DXpedition to Bouvet Island, 1st February 2026


  • Where we will stay up to 3 weeks around the island

  • Team of 18-24 operators

  • Budget $1,675,000


We are pleased to announce the completion of a major milestone by having signed a contract with ICETUGS https://icetugs.com/ that will take us to Bouvet Island in February 2026. ICETUGS, an Iceland based company, has an excellent track record in providing services for expeditions, cargo and fuel supplies, tugging, as well as rescue and camp setup in the Arctic and Antarctic regions. We also report the signing of the helicopter contract with the Cape Town based Ultimate Aviation. This group will supply us with a helicopter, two pilots and a mechanic for this project. Their crew have broad experience in offshore operations across Antarctica, Marion, Gough and da Cunha Islands, which includes boat to shore, sling and hoist operations associated with police force, military, and private projects. This year they celebrate 10 years of operation in Antarctica 2015-2205. We are confident the helicopter crew and the vessel will make a big difference for us in activating Bouvet Island.


We will depart from Cape Town February 1st 2026, and the DX-pedition is scheduled for 36 days. We intend to stay around the island for more than 21 days, which will provide us with enough time to wait for good conditions to land the team and all the equipment. The leadership has previous experience from landing at Bouvet Island in 2023, and together with the entire team are prepared and committed to re-activate Bouvet Island. We obtained the helicopter permit 6 months ago, and with the 3Y0K license in hand we have all the approvals necessary to go onshore.


Our first deposit of $450,000 will be paid on January 20, 2025. Given the overall budget of $1,675,000, we teamed up with a small private group to share the costs. Our team wishes to use this opportunity to thank all the clubs, associations, and foundations, as well as individuals who have already provided us with their support. Going to such remote places would not be possible without such generous contributions.  Meanwhile, we invite those who haven’t done it yet to visit our website at www.3y0k.com and consider making a donation using the respective button or directly via our PayPal address – donate@3y0k.com to help us offset some of our costs.


We are grateful to NCDXF for supporting our expedition. There will be two grants totally up to $200,000. The first will be a down-payment of $100,000. The second will be a dollar for dollar match up to $100,000. The match will be a challenge to the clubs and hams that donate prior to the DXpedition. Please help us meet this target.


You can follow our plans at www.3y0k.com or through our trusted media news The Daily DX and EA1CS DX info. You can contact us at admin@3y0.no or through our media officer James KB2FMH.


We are also seeking more operators. Those interested should contact us at admin@3y0.no.


Our Peter 1 DX-pedition is on track, as we have received the landing permit from NPI, and we will sign a contract with ICETUGS to take us there in 2027. We will provide more information at a later stage.


Thank you,


73, Team 3Y0K



 
 
 
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