The Oceanographic Research Ship ‘Hespérides’ set sail to participate in the 32nd Spanish Antarctic Campaign.

The oceanographic research ship (BIO in its Spanish initials) ‘Hespérides’ set sail from her home port in Cartagena to participate in the 32nd Spanish Antarctic campaign. The farewell ceremony was presided over by the Chief of Staff of the Spanish Navy, Admiral Teodoro López Calderón accompanied by several other military and civilian authorities.

On her way towards the South Shetland Islands, the ship will visit first the ports of Montevideo and Ushuaia. The ‘Hespérides’ will give support to the two Spanish Bases: the ‘Juan Carlos I’ managed by the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) and the ‘Gabriel de Castilla’ ran by the Spanish Army. The ship will also serve as scientific platform to conduct several research projects in the Antarctic and the Central Atlantic Ocean.

This 32nd Campaign will supervise 24 research projects, of which 18 are financed by the National Research Agency, 1 by the National Meteorological Agency and another one by the Spanish Navy Hydrographic Institute, among others. The Spanish scientific facilities will also provide support to other projects from Colombia, United Kingdom, Chile, Norway, Brazil and Portugal.

The ‘Hespérides’ is scheduled to return back home by June 26th 2019.

Celebrations of the 500 anniversary of the first circumnavigation of the globe.

On the occasion of the commemoration of the 500 anniversary of the first voyage around the world started by Ferdinand Magellan and completed by Juan Sebastián de Elcano, the ‘Hesperides’ will hoist the 5th Centennial Ensign like all other Spanish ships that, at some time, have circumnavigated the globe.

Oceanographic Research Ship ‘Hespérides’ (A-33)

The A-33 is the only Spanish ship purposely designed to carry out multidisciplinary scientific research activities in all world seas and oceans. Her complement consists of 60 men and women currently under command of Cdr. José Emilio Regodón. Apart from her own crew, the ship can accommodate up to 37 scientists and technicians.

After the implementation of the Polar Code by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), and as of January 1st 2018, the BIO ‘Hespérides’ has been certified as class ‘C’ for operation in polar waters.

Spanish Antarctic Campaign

The Spanish Antarctic Campaign is a model of cooperation among different private and public institutions involved in R&D projects coordinated by the State Scheme for Scientific and Technical Research.

The Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities is in charge of financing and maintaining the research ships ‘Hespérides’ and ‘Sarmiento de Gamboa’, as well as the logistic aspects of the two Antarctic bases.

This year we also celebrate the 30th anniversary of the admission of Spain into the Antarctic Treaty as Consultative Member.