The icebreaker ARA “Almirante Irízar” officially began its participation in the 2024/2025 Summer Antarctic Campaign .
It is an event of great importance for Argentina in terms of maintaining scientific research and resupplying its bases on the white continent.
The launching ceremony took place in the North Dock of the port of Buenos Aires and was presided over by Brigadier General Xavier Julián Isaac, Chief of the Joint Staff of the Armed Forces , together with Foreign Minister Gerardo Werthein , as well as other authorities of the Armed Forces and the Ministry of Defense .
The operation will extend over more than 30,000 nautical miles , with 1,000 flight hours to transport supplies and equipment to the Marambio, Esperanza, Orcadas, San Martín, Belgrano 2, Petrel and Carlini bases.
One of the main objectives of this campaign is the replacement of crews, which is vital to maintaining research operations on the white continent.
In addition to its logistical functions, the ARA “ Almirante Irízar ” will participate in the construction of multidisciplinary laboratories at the Marambio and Carlini bases, as well as the development of a new Cosmic Ray research center at the San Martín Base .
The vessel is commanded by Captain Sebastián Alejandro Musa and will complete three stages of the voyage through Antarctica. The head of the Joint Chiefs of Staff emphasized the more than 1,200 personnel assigned to the campaign.
