BIO Hespérides

BIO ' ''', is a Spanish polar research vessel. She was built in 1990, by Bazán Shipyards of Cartagena, Spain. ' is used to service the research bases in Antarctica, mainly the Spanish Juan Carlos I Antarctic Base, as well as to perform research voyages. It is operated by the Spanish Navy and the responsible of the scientific equipment is the Spanish National Research Council.
' is classified by Lloyd's Register of Shipping with ice class 1C. She can move through up to of ice at. Her propulsion system uses a computer-controlled variable-pitch propeller and stern and bow thrusters. The vessel carries one helicopter.

Name

, is named after Hesperides, the Greek nymphs of the evening, located on the Western Mediterranean.

History

In 2003–2004, she was the subject of a thorough renovation, the hull was strengthened even more to break ice, all systems were improved and the habitability of the ship. The vessel is equipped with 11 laboratories, spread over 345 m² and located on the main deck and below.
In 2009, the vessel participated in a high-profile rescue of Ocean Nova, a vessel with 106 people in the Antarctic.
In 2010, the vessel participated in the Malaspina Expedition.