How are we getting there? The present and future of South America’s Antarctic fleet

Abstract

ABSTRACT While South America is geographically close to Antarctica, more so than some countries that claim Antarctic territory, it is nevertheless important to maintain modern and operational platforms, particularly vessels, via which South American states can travel to this region. In recent years, Peru has obtained a new polar vessel, while Chile is domestically manufacturing a new icebreaker and Brazil is looking to purchase a new polar ship. Nevertheless, countries like Argentina and Uruguay, due to limited funds, do not appear to have plans to acquire new polar vessels to replace their current, ageing naval platforms. Certainly, governments can also utilise aircraft to transport personnel and equipment to Antarctica as well as to carry out some scientific tests and search-and-rescue operations. However there are particular advantages to possessing a vessel in the inventory of any country’s Antarctic program, since it can transport heavy equipment, and perform subsurface tests out at sea. Polar vessels also carry smaller craft and a helicopter, which multiplies the ship’s capabilities. This essay aims to discuss the current operational status of South America’s polar platforms, with a specific focus on ships, and what are their future. We will analyse the region’s ships and compare them to other nations that have Antarctic programmes (e.g. Australia, the People’s Republic of China and the United States), in order to have an idea of how South American states are doing in comparison to other programs. As we look at South America’s present and attempt to predict the region’s future in Antarctica, we will discuss issues like cooperation amongst South American Antarctic programs, and the future of regionally manufactured naval platforms for polar use.