COMANDANTE FERRAZ

• Latitude: -62.0829
•
• Longitude: -58.3873
•
• Antarctica
•
• Port in Antarctica

Address: King George Island Antarctica

Marine Port: Comandante Ferraz Research Station

Location:

• Geographic Coordinates: Approx. Latitude -62.0870, Longitude -58.3975
• Region: Admiralty Bay, King George Island, South Shetland Islands, Antarctica

Overview: The Comandante Ferraz Antarctic Station (Estação Antártica Comandante Ferraz - EACF) is a Brazilian scientific research base. It supports a wide range of scientific disciplines, including marine biology, oceanography, meteorology, and more. The station is named after Brazilian Navy Commander Luís Antônio de Carvalho Ferraz, an oceanographer and polar explorer.

Port and Logistics Facilities:

• Landing Areas: The station features a dedicated dock and landing area for boats. This dock supports the transfer of personnel, scientific instruments, and supplies.
• Helipad: Available for aerial transportation and emergency evacuations.
• Warehouse Storage: Facilities for storing scientific equipment, provisions, and other essential goods.
• Fuel Storage: Tanks for storing fuel necessary for generating electricity, heating, and powering vehicles.

Specifications:

• Type: Seasonal and year-round research station with port facilities.
• Operating Agency: Brazilian Navy (Marinha do Brasil).
• Dock: Designed to accommodate small to medium-sized vessels. Typically, zodiacs (inflatable boats) and small research boats are used for transport and logistics.
• Depth: The coastal waters around the station are relatively shallow, suitable for small and medium-sized marine vessels.
• Infrastructure:
  • Research Laboratories: Equipped with modern tools for various scientific endeavors.
  • Accommodation Facilities: Living quarters for scientists and support staff.
  • Common Areas: Includes dining facilities, recreational areas, and medical facilities.

Environmental and Operational Considerations:

• Weather and Ice Conditions: The station operates under extreme weather conditions with snow, ice, and high wind speeds affecting logistics. Visiting ships must navigate through ice flows in the surrounding waters.
• Environmental Protection: Strict protocols are in place to protect the pristine environment, in line with the Antarctic Treaty System's guidelines and the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty.

Usage:

• Primary Users: Brazilian and international scientists conducting research in various fields.
• Research Focus: Includes climate change studies, marine and terrestrial ecosystems, geomorphology, and glaciology among others.

Accessibility:

• Seasonal Access: Generally accessible during the austral summer (November - March) when ice conditions are less severe.
• Year-Round Presence: Maintains a year-round operational presence, though access can be more challenging and limited in the winter months.

Tourist and Commercial Activity:

• Tourism: Not a major destination for tourists due to its primary function as a research station. However, occasional visits by tour groups may occur under strict supervision.
• Commercial Use: Limited to non-commercial scientific research and logistical support missions.

The Comandante Ferraz Research Station serves as a critical hub for Brazil's scientific endeavors in Antarctica, providing necessary logistics and infrastructure to support the research activities of Brazilian and collaborating international scientists.