The icebreaker ARA Almirante Irízar has arrived at the Belgrano II Base , the southernmost in Argentina and the third southernmost in the world, marking another step in its participation in the Antarctic Summer Campaign (CAV) 2024/25 . After six days of crossing from the Joint Antarctic Base Orcadas , it carries out a series of essential tasks in one of the most demanding environments on the white continent.
The ARA Irízar set sail from the Buenos Aires Naval Station , making a crucial technical stopover before entering the complicated logistics of Antarctica . Upon arrival, the ship was resupplied on the high seas through a maneuver called Replenishment at Sea (RAS) by the Logistics Ship ARA Patagonia , which is returning to activity after years of inactivity . This transfer is not only vital for the Irízar , but also for the ARA Puerto Argentino naval base and the transport of components necessary for the first module of the future Joint Antarctic Base Petrel .
During this difficult journey , the icebreaker crossed the Antarctic Circle and reached the San Martín Coastal Channel , highlighting the strategic importance of the Belgrano II Base . Frigate Captain Sebastián Alejandro Musa , in command of the Irízar , explained that logistics is essential at this stage, highlighting the synchronization of efforts by diverting to the Orcadas Base for personnel replacement before heading to Belgrano .
The operation in Belgrano II lasts four days , during which many essential activities are carried out. These include the deployment of the Beach Group , which organizes the loading and unloading maneuvers, as well as the relief of the wintering personnel . In addition, a team of scientists and technicians from the National Antarctic Directorate (DNA) embarked to carry out research on meteorology , fauna , geodesy and seismology .
Another important aspect has been the installation of two antennas for receiving polar satellite images , in collaboration with the National Commission for Space Activities (CONAE) , which will allow for improved monitoring of environmental conditions in the region. Likewise, progress has been made in the research of the Nutec Plastic project , which aims to measure microplastic pollution in the area.
Lieutenant Commander Carlos Horacio Vázquez , Chief of Operations of the Joint Antarctic Command (COCOANTAR) , also spoke about the importance of the Irízar in the Antarctic context. According to Vázquez , “ 85% of scientific and tourist activity in Antarctica occurs on the peninsula, which makes the work of the icebreaker critical, consolidating Argentina as a nation that penetrates deep into the Weddell Sea .”
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