The Spanish Navy-operated research ship ‘Hespérides’ returned to her homeport in Cartagena on May 23, concluding the 30th Spanish Antarctic campaign.
During the almost six months Hesperides spent at sea, scientists carried out 17 projects, mostly related to climate change.
Rotating on the ship, more than 200 scientists and technicians from 15 nations performed their research under coordination from the Spanish Polar Committee.
Apart from the scientific activities, the Hespérides also helped provide logistic support to the Spanish Antarctic bases.
Hespérides (A-33) is the only Spanish ship purposely designed to carry out multidisciplinary scientific research activities in all world oceans. Her complement consists of 62 men and women currently under command of Cdr. Aurelio Fernández. Apart from her own crew, the ship can accommodate up to 37 scientists and technicians.