USHUAIA

USHUAIA (IMO: 6901907) is a Passenger vessel sailing under the Togo flag. It has an overall length of 276 feets and a beam of 49 feets.

Vessel Identification

MMSI: 671188100 IMO: 6901907 Call Sign: 5VHN2 Flag: Togo Vessel Type: Passenger Ship AIS Type: Passenger

Specifications

Gross Tonnage: 2,788 GT Deadweight: 493 DWT Length Overall: 84.3 m Beam: 14.0 m Draft: 4.9 m Decks: 5 Passengers Capacity: 84 Crew: approximately 40

Propulsion

Engine Type: Diesel Propulsion Type: Single screw Speed (Service): 12.5 knots Speed (Maximum): 14 knots

Shipyard

Builder: Hijos de J. Barreras S.A. Build Location: Vigo, Spain Year Built: 1969 Hull Number: 1493

Owner / Operator

Commercial Operator: Antarpply Expeditions Previous Operators: LADE (Línea Aérea del Estado, Argentina) Current Management: Antarpply Expeditions Registered Owner: Antarpply Expeditions

Operating Region

Primary Region: Antarctic Peninsula Secondary Regions: South Georgia, Falkland Islands, Patagonia, sub-Antarctic islands Base Port: Ushuaia, Argentina Seasonal Operation: October through March (austral summer expedition season)

Vessel Description

The vessel is an expedition cruise ship purpose-adapted for operations in polar and sub-Antarctic waters. Originally constructed in 1969 as a general cargo and passenger ferry, she operated for the Argentine government under LADE before being refitted for expedition tourism. The vessel is ice-strengthened, carrying a Lloyd's ice notation appropriate for navigating in seasonal ice conditions around the Antarctic Peninsula.

The ship underwent significant refitting to accommodate expedition passengers, including the installation of Zodiac inflatable craft for shore landings, a hallmark of Antarctic expedition operations. With a relatively small passenger capacity of 84 guests, the vessel offers an intimate expedition experience. She operates primarily out of the port of Ushuaia, Argentina, the world's southernmost city and the principal gateway to Antarctica.

The vessel is staffed with expedition team members including naturalists, historians, and ornithologists who support a science and education-oriented voyage program. Her relatively shallow draft and maneuverability are considered advantageous for navigating the fjords, channels, and landing sites of the Antarctic Peninsula and surrounding island groups.