Now Reading: Hespérides" ends its longest mission after 221 days of global research
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Hespérides" ends its longest mission after 221 days of global research
The oceanographic research vessel "Hespérides" has returned to the port of Cartagena after completing the XXIX Antarctic Campaign, marking a historic milestone by becoming its longest deployment: 221 days of navigation and almost 30,000 miles traveled. The mission has reinforced Spain's role in polar science and oceanic exploration.
One and a half times around the world in the service of science
The "Hespérides" set sail on November 20, 2024, operating in the Antarctic, South Atlantic and Spanish waters, as a scientific and logistical support platform. Throughout its mission, it facilitated nine research projects focused on the study of the oceans, marine ecosystems, climate change, ocean floor geology and microplastics.
International cooperation and strategic presence
During its voyage, the ship visited six key cities in the South Atlantic: Mar del Plata, Ushuaia, Punta Arenas, Montevideo, Salvador de Bahía and Las Palmas. A historic milestone of the campaign was the coincidence, for the first time, of three Spanish oceanographic ships in Antarctic waters: the "Hespérides", the "Sarmiento de Gamboa" and the "Odón de Buen", coinciding with the visit of the Minister of Science to the Spanish mission.
More than three decades in the service of knowledge
With 34 years of trajectory, the "Hespérides" has consolidated its position as an international reference in oceanographic research. The success of this campaign has been possible thanks to the collaboration between the Navy, the Spanish Polar Committee, the Ministry of Science and scientific institutions, together with the high technical and human level of its crew.
