The R/V Laura Bassi leaves New Zealand for the South Pole

The Italian research vessel Laura Bassi, owned by the OGS, left the harbour of Lyttelton (New Zealand) and set course for Antarctica, where it will support the activities of three research projects focusing on the physical and biogeochemical dynamics of specific Antarctic areas.

This year, the ship will make a single round trip from New Zealand to Antarctica, taking on board 39 members of the research staff and 23 members of the crew. For the first time the mission will be carried out jointly with the New Zealand Antarctic Project, which involves 12 researchers.

The ship's departure marks the start of the 39th campaign of the National Antarctic Research Programme, funded by the Ministry of Universities and Research and led by Cnr for scientific coordination, ENEA for the planning and logistical organization of activities in the Antarctic bases and OGS for the technical and scientific management of the icebreaker Laura Bassi. The ship will circumnavigate the entire Ross Sea and complete its Antarctic mission, dropping anchor in Lyttleton in March 2024 after a 60-day voyage.