In the North Dock of the Port of Buenos Aires, the logistics ship ARA “Patagonia” carries out its loading operation, marking the practical start of the 122nd Antarctic Summer Campaign (CAV) 2025/2026 .

Under the supervision of the Joint Antarctic Command, led by Rear Admiral Maximiliano Mangiaterra, the unit stores construction materials, infrastructure for Petrel Base, provisions, and spare parts, in a crucial phase for resupplying the Argentine facilities. "The personnel are highly committed because they understand that meeting deadlines is key," stated Commander Cristian Carrizo , the ship's captain.

The unique logistical deployment is a tangible exercise in sovereignty. While Argentina prepares its campaign with a historical presence predating the Antarctic Treaty, the region is the scene of actions by other actors seeking to consolidate their positions, such as the recent anchoring in Punta Arenas of a British scientific vessel flying the colonial flag of the Malvina Islands.

The route of the "Patagonia" is precise: after loading in Buenos Aires, it will refuel in La Plata and carry out complex transfer maneuvers at sea with the icebreaker ARA "Almirante Irízar", before its last stop in Ushuaia .

In a geopolitical context where the Antarctic regime could be reviewed in 2048, these routine operations take on a profound strategic significance.

Every ton transported, every deadline met, not only sustains life and science at the bases, but also strengthens Argentine sovereign rights, based on permanent occupation, geographical continuity and the provincial legal framework that integrates Antarctica.

The departure of the "Patagonia" is, therefore, the materialization of a State policy that defends the bicontinental nature of the Nation with concrete actions.