The icebreaker ARA “Almirante Irízar” (RHAI) arrived at the commercial dock site 8 in Ushuaia April 10th. After sailing 542 nautical miles from the Carlini Antarctic Scientific Base, the third stage of the 2024/25 Antarctic Summer Campaign concluded.
After setting sail from Potter Cove, the unit, part of the Joint Antarctic Command (COCOANTAR), began its northward journey. The crossing of the Drake Passage was completed in less than two days at an average speed of 14 knots, made possible by favorable weather conditions.
The aforementioned stage began on March 22nd at the dock in Tierra del Fuego’s capital. There, scientific equipment, metal structures, construction materials, refrigerated cargo, and dry supplies were loaded onto the ship, initially transported by the logistics vessel ARA Patagonia. This vessel was also responsible for refueling the RHAI for the continuation of the Antarctic expedition.
The itinerary of this third leg included visits to the Joint Antarctic Bases of Esperanza, San Martín, Petrel, and Carlini Scientific Bases. A total of 77.5 tons of general cargo were unloaded; 25 tons of refrigerated and refrigerated cargo; and 650,000 liters of GOA (Antarctic Gas Oil). This logistical task, as well as the retrieval of 299 waste drums, was carried out in conjunction with two Sea King aircraft from the Second Naval Helicopter Squadron, two EDPV launches, and MK6 inflatable boats.
The crew of the San Martín BAC was also replaced, as was the transfer of the families of the personnel currently at BAC Esperanza. Both events marked the beginning of the 2025 winter season for their respective crews.
During this stage, the ship, commanded by Captain Sebastián Alejandro Musa, transported an initial crew of 312, including permanent personnel, military personnel on secondment from the three Armed Forces, the National Antarctic Directorate (DNA), and guests from related scientific institutions and foreign navies.
The RHAI Commander expressed his satisfaction with the work performed by the entire crew of the unit and emphasized that it was a stage where “the personnel demonstrated the team spirit required to carry out an operation such as the Antarctic Campaign.”
He also emphasized the importance of thinking of the unit as a platform for conducting science. “The logistical activities of the Armed Forces are combined with the scientific work of the DNA personnel, achieving a synergy that allows both to achieve the proposed objectives. This strengthens Argentina’s presence on the Antarctic continent year after year.”