ALMIRANTE IRIZAR

ALMIRANTE IRIZAR (IMO: 7533628) is a Military vessel sailing under the Argentina flag.

Vessel Identification

MMSI: 701808000 IMO: 7533628 Call Sign: LOAI Flag: Argentina Vessel Type: Icebreaker / Polar Research and Supply Vessel AIS Type: 35 (Military Operations)

Specifications

Gross Tonnage: 14,445 GT Deadweight: 9,000 DWT Length Overall: 121.3 m Beam: 25.2 m Draft: 9.5 m Year Built: 1978

Propulsion

Propulsion Type: Diesel-Electric Engine Configuration: Four diesel generating sets driving electric motors Propeller: Twin controllable pitch propellers Ice Class: Icebreaker class – capable of breaking ice up to 2.5 m thick Shaft Power: Approximately 16,700 kW

Shipyard

Builder: AFNE (Astilleros y Fábricas Navales del Estado) Build Location: Buenos Aires, Argentina Delivery Year: 1978

Owner / Operator

Owner: Argentine Navy (Armada Argentina) Operator: Argentine Antarctic Command (Comando Antártico Argentino) Home Port: Buenos Aires, Argentina

Navigation / Communications Equipment

AIS Class: Class A Transponder Navigation Systems: GMDSS compliant communications suite Helicopter Facilities: Helicopter deck capable of operating medium to heavy helicopters, including onboard hangar

Operating Region

Primary Region: South Atlantic Ocean and Antarctic waters Operational Area: Argentine Antarctic Territory, Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia, and Antarctic supply route corridors Antarctic Bases Served: Base Esperanza, Base Marambio, Base San Martín, and other Argentine Antarctic stations Seasonal Operation: Year-round deployments, with primary Antarctic operations during the austral summer season (November–March)

Vessel Description

ARA Almirante Irizar is the Argentine Navy's primary polar icebreaker and Antarctic logistics vessel, named in honor of Vice Admiral Julián Irizar, who commanded the rescue of the Swedish Antarctic expedition in 1903. The vessel serves a dual scientific and logistical role, providing annual resupply missions to Argentine Antarctic bases while supporting scientific research programs conducted under the Argentine Antarctic Institute (Instituto Antártico Argentino).

The ship suffered a serious engine room fire in April 2007 that rendered it out of service for several years. Following an extensive refit and modernization program carried out at TANDANOR shipyard in Buenos Aires, the vessel was returned to service in 2017 with upgraded propulsion, safety systems, and scientific facilities. The refit significantly extended the vessel's operational life and enhanced its capacity to support Antarctic missions.

The Almirante Irizar is equipped with laboratories for oceanographic, meteorological, and biological research, and carries cargo, fuel, and personnel to support Argentina's extensive network of Antarctic stations, maintaining one of the most active national Antarctic programs in the world.