Ukrainian Antarctic Expedition arrives at Academik Vernadsky station

As reported by Ukrinform, the National Antarctic Scientific Center (NASC) announced this on Facebook.

"Our vessel Noosfera delivered the 30th Ukrainian Antarctic Expedition to the Academik Vernadsky station. This happened late in the evening of March 15, 2025, Ukrainian time," the statement reads.

With autumn already beginning in Antarctica and the weather being highly unpredictable, the polar team and the crew of Noosfera are rushing to unload the ship. They need to transport a year’s supply of food and other essentials, including 140 cubic meters of fuel for generators that provide electricity and heating for Academik Vernadsky.

Since the seabed's terrain prevents Noosfera from docking directly at the station's pier, all cargo will be transferred by motorboats from the Penola Strait, where the vessel is anchored, to the Academik Vernadsky station.

The 29th Ukrainian Antarctic Expedition will also be handing over duties to the 30th team. "It is crucial to ensure the continuity of collecting meteorological, geophysical, and biological data using consistent methods and transferring the information to global databases," the NASC added.

At the same time, scientists from the seasonal team will complete their work and pack samples for laboratory analysis back on the "mainland."

Additionally, construction specialists will summarize the results of the modernization efforts and plan tasks for the upcoming year.

As previously reported by Ukrinform, the 30th Ukrainian Antarctic Expedition set off for Academik Vernadsky station in early March.

The team consists of eight scientists and five support staff. The expedition is led by an experienced Ukrainian polar explorer and meteorologist Oleksandr Poluden.

Photo: National Antarctic Scientific Center