The icebreaker ARA “Almirante Irízar” resupplied the Joint Antarctic Bases (BAC) Petrel and Esperanza, as part of the second stage of the 2024/25 Antarctic Summer Campaign (CAV).
After completing operations on the BAC Marambio, the ship headed toward the Antarctic Strait, located between the Trinity Peninsula and D’Urville, Joinville, and Dundee Islands. Upon arrival, the unit, commanded by Captain Sebastián Alejandro Musa, began operations on the Petrel.
At this base, the RHAI operated using Sea King helicopters, under the command of the Embarked Naval Air Group, with the EDPV (Personnel and Vehicle Landing Craft) and with the MK6 semi-rigid boats.
Following the Playa Group’s landing, construction materials, tools, machinery, supplies, and fuel necessary for the tasks carried out at the base were unloaded.
The Chief of Operations of the Joint Antarctic Command, Lieutenant Commander Carlos Horacio Vázquez, emphasized: “This CAV continued the Petrel Project, which aims to establish the base as an entry point to Antarctica, not only for Argentina but for the entire world. This is a very important geopolitical factor for the development of global science . ”
This project includes the construction of housing modules, scientific laboratories, a control tower, a dock, and the expansion of the runway, among other works. Once completed, the base will be the largest in the country on the White Continent.
Other short-term goals include the construction of a residential module and the installation of a photovoltaic field. Regarding the latter, Captain Vázquez explained: “One hundred solar panels have been installed, and another 100 will be installed this year. Argentina is committed to reducing emissions from fossil fuel use in Antarctica. This results in less pollution and a reduction in resource use in the Basque Country, as less Antarctic diesel will be transported . ”
After completing its work on Petrel, the RHAI headed to the Esperanza Biosphere Reserve (BAC) where it operated with the EDPVs. Among the tasks carried out during the campaign there was the completion of the hydroponic module. This will allow wintering visitors to consume fresh vegetables year-round. The module has a closed circuit that complies with all Antarctic Treaty standards and was built with the support of the National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA).
A joint project, which includes the Orcadas, Petrel, and Esperanza BACs, was the task of bringing cell phone service to the White Continent. To achieve this, a 4G+ network was installed, which has faster speeds than the rest of the country. This provides greater connectivity, greater capacity for research projects, and contributes to the well-being of people who can communicate with their families.
Finally, the RHAI withdrew the crews from the temporary bases Primavera and Decepción. Both lived together for a week at Provincial School No. 38 “Presidente Raúl Alfonsín,” located in the center of the BAC Esperanza. They were transported there by the aviso ARA “Puerto Argentino,” which also carried out operations alongside the icebreaker, and will remain on the ship until her arrival in Ushuaia.