by EH
The Italian icebreaker Laura Bassi set sail for Antarctica, launching a three-month mission as part of Italy’s 40th Antarctic Expedition. The mission, funded by Italy’s Ministry of Universities and Research (MUR) under the National Antarctic Research Program (PNRA), involves six scientific projects focusing on climate change, oceanography, and ecosystems in the Ross Sea.
The Laura Bassi, operated by the National Institute of Oceanography and Applied Geophysics (OGS), carries 27 scientists and technicians, along with a 23-member crew. After departing Italy in mid-October and crossing the Panama Canal, the vessel reached New Zealand before heading south.
The mission is divided into two legs: the first, lasting 35 days, addresses three research projects, while the second, beginning January 23, will run for 43 days, engaging an expanded team of 32 researchers. Among its tasks, the ship will transport ice cores for the Beyond EPICA-Oldest Ice project and deploy oceanographic instruments in collaboration with the University of Auckland.
The Laura Bassi, Italy’s only polar-capable research icebreaker, is expected to return to New Zealand in March 2025 and to Italy by mid-April.
For updates on the mission, visit: https://laurabassi.ogs.it
