Antarctica: The R/V Laura Bassi concludes the summer research campaign

the Italian research vessel Laura Bassi has completed its mission, during which it spent two months travelling in Antarctic waters to study the physical and biogeochemical dynamics of certain areas of the continent.

The return to the port of Lyttelton in New Zealand on 1 March also marks the end of the 40th scientific expedition to Antarctica, which was funded by the Ministry of University and Research (MUR) as part of the National Programme for Research in Antarctica (PNRA). The programme is managed by the National Research Council (CNR) for the scientific coordination, by the ENEA for the planning and logistical organisation of the activities in the Antarctic bases and by  OGS for the technical and scientific management of the icebreaker Laura Bassi.

The OGS R/V Laura Bassi left the port of Lyttelton on 15 December with the technical and scientific personnel who carried out the scientific mission. A total of 42 people were involved as technical and research personnel, as well as a 23-strong ship's crew. During the expedition, three research projects were carried out.

Photo authors: Sedmak e Prato; credits: PNRA