Italian icebreaker Laura Bassi has arrived at Mario Zucchelli Station in Antarctica after an eight-day 18 hour voyage from Lyttelton, its second home port.
Before heading south, the research and supply vessel spent time in Lyttelton for final preparations with cargo and welcoming scientists on board.
Laura Bassi pushed through ice up to two metres thick.
Laura Bassi Captain, Franco Sedmak, says at one point, the Italian ship cleared and guided a fishing vessel, which was blocked by ice through the ice south bound for about 12 hours.
“I am very happy we were able to help them because someone will assist us in that way too,” said Franco.
“The crew were very grateful,” Franco added.
The final stretch to Mario Zucchelli Station was tough. The crew broke ice inch by inch, making slow progress even with the station in sight.
“2,300 miles in total, 850 of them breaking through ice,” said Franco.
Now that they have arrived safely at Mario Zucchelli Station, the crew have unloaded essential cargo for people based in Antarctica. This voyage is part of Italy’s 41st Antarctic Research Expedition, focused on climate studies and oceanography in the Ross Sea.
Researchers will place ice cores, collected from the Grand Combin Glacier (Switzerland) and Mont Blanc (France) in Antarctica for a global climate archive, safeguarding records of past atmospheric conditions for the benefit of future generations.
The Ice Memory project, recognized by UNESCO, is promoted by the Ice Memory Foundation and was founded by the Institute of Polar Sciences of the National Research Council (Cnr-Isp) and Ca’ Foscari University of Venice, together with other European institutions and with the support of the PNRA.
Laura Bassi will return to Lyttelton later this month before heading south again.
Lyttelton Port Company Chief Executive Officer, Graeme Sumner, says LPC is proud to play a role in supporting Antarctic research.
“Welcoming Laura Bassi and other Antarctic vessels call at Lyttelton is a privilege. These visits are always a highlight for us because they bring science, logistics, and international collaboration together at our port,” said Graeme.