The Oceanographic Research Vessel (BIO) Hespérides and the Oceanographic Vessel (BO) Sarmiento de Gamboa are the two infrastructures that Spain has for the development of the scientific projects that are developed in the polar areas.
The BIO Hespérides, since its launch in 1991, has participated in more than twenty Spanish Antarctic campaigns and in 2007 carried out a campaign in the Arctic. It is operated by the Spanish Navy, being the Marine Technology Unit of the CSIC responsible for the maintenance and operation of scientific equipment on board. It is based in Cartagena.
The BO Sarmiento de Gamboa, launched in 2006, has participated in several Spanish Antarctic campaigns. With the entry into force, on January 1, 2017, of the IMO Polar Code, the ship obtained the certification for navigation in polar waters north of 63º S during the southern summer and in ice-free waters. The ship is based in Vigo. It is operated by the Marine Technology Unit of the CSIC.
The Odón de Buen, this new ship launched in 2023 and which carried out the ice tests in Antarctica in 2024, combines cutting-edge technology with an innovative and sustainable design. He will participate in the Spanish Antarctic Campaign 2026-2027 developing several scientific projects on board. It is the first ship in the Spanish Oceanographic Fleet with a PC7 polar classification. It is operated by the Marine Technology Unit of the CSIC and is based in Cádiz.