BIO Hesperides

BIO Hespérides (A-33), is a Spanish polar research vessel. She was built in 1990, by Bazán Shipyards of Cartagena, Spain. Hespérides is used to service the research bases in Antarctica, mainly the Spanish Juan Carlos I Antarctic Base, as well as to perform research voyages. It is operated by the Spanish Navy and the responsible of the scientific equipment is the Spanish National Research Council.

Hespérides off Deception Island in January 2013
History
Spain
Name: Hespérides
Port of registry: Cartagena, Spain
Builder: Bazán, Cartagena
Laid down: 14 November 1988
Launched: 12 March 1990
Commissioned: 16 May 1991
Refit: 2003-2004
Identification:
Status: Active
General characteristics
Type: Research vessel
Displacement:
  • 1,983 t (1,952 long tons) standard
  • 2,750 t (2,707 long tons) full
Length: 82.5 m (270 ft 8 in)
Beam: 14.3 m (46 ft 11 in)
Height: 7.35 m (24 ft 1 in)
Draft: 4.42 m (14 ft 6 in)
Ice class: 1C
Installed power: 2 × Bazán- M.AN. Burmeister & Wain 14V, 1,904 hp (1,420 kW)
Speed: 14.7 knots (27.2 km/h; 16.9 mph) in 0.5 m (1.6 ft) level ice
Range: 12,000 nmi (22,000 km; 14,000 mi) at 12 knots (22 km/h; 14 mph)
Endurance: 120 days
Complement: 29 scientists
Crew: 58
Sensors and
processing systems:
  • 2 × DGPS
  • 2 radar ARPA ECDIS
  • GMDSS
Aircraft carried: 1 × Agusta-Bell 212 helicopter
Aviation facilities: Hangar

Hespérides is classified by Lloyd's Register of Shipping with ice class 1C. She can move through up to 0.5 metres (1 ft 8 in) of ice at 5 knots (9.3 km/h; 5.8 mph). Her propulsion system uses a computer-controlled variable-pitch propeller and stern and bow thrusters. The vessel carries one helicopter.[1][2]

In 2003–2004, she was the subject of a thorough renovation, the hull was strengthened even more to break ice, all systems were improved and the habitability of the ship. The vessel is equipped with eleven laboratories, spread over 345 m² and located on the main deck and below.

In 2009, the vessel participated in a high-profile rescue of Ocean Nova, a vessel with 106 people in the Antarctic[3] and, in 2010, in the Malaspina Expedition.

References
  1. "CSIC: UNIDAD DE TECNOLOGÍA MARINA - CONSEJO SUPERIOR DE INVESTIGACIONES CIENTÍFICAS. SPANISH NATIONAL RESEARCH COUNCIL". utm.csic.es. Archived from the original on 19 June 2010. Retrieved 8 June 2010.
  2. "B/O Hespérides". ieo.es. Archived from the original on 20 June 2010. Retrieved 8 June 2010.
  3. "B.I.O. "HESPERIDES"". lucense.galeon.com. Retrieved 8 June 2010.

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