The Irízar Icebreaker arrived at the Belgrano base and continues its Antarctic campaign

During this stop, the Argentine Navy ship is carrying out an important replenishment and personnel change. After six days of sailing from the Orkneys, the icebreaker is facing one of the most critical stages.

20 de February de 2025 08:59

After completing its mission in Belgrano II, the icebreaker will return to Orcadas to complete resupply and the complete relief of its crew.

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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