The Oceanographic Research Vessel (BIO) "HESPÉRIDES" is the only Spanish vessel designed to carry out multidisciplinary scientific research in all the seas and oceans of the planet, including the Arctic and Antarctic Zones during the boreal and southern summers respectively.
The main activity of the ship is focused on the southern summers, during which it carries out Scientific Campaigns in Antarctica and provides the necessary logistical support to the endowments of the Spanish Antarctic Bases (BAE) "Juan Carlos I" and "Gabriel de Castilla", providing fuel, material for the vital operation of the facilities, and the necessary insúmos and groceries in the different scales programmed.
The research carried out in it is fundamentally directed and financed by the National Plan for Research, Development and Innovation (R+D+I), prepared by the State Secretariat for Research, Development and Innovation of the Ministry of Research, Science and Universities. The planning of this scientific activity is the responsibility of the Commission for the Coordination and Monitoring of the Activities of Oceanographic Vessels (COCSABO), without prejudice to the powers and competences that correspond to the Navy in relation to the activities in the Exclusive Economic Zone.
