Russian icebreakers venture for oil in Antarctic quest
Russian icebreakers with scientists from the BRICS group have set off from Cape Town and Rio Grande towards Antarctica. Their mission is to conduct research, including the search for deposits of gas and oil.
27 November 2024 07:21
The Russian icebreakers "Akademik Fedorov" and "Akademik Tryoshnikov" have embarked on an Antarctic expedition with scientists from the BRICS group on board. "Akademik Fedorov" departed from Cape Town, while "Akademik Tryoshnikov" set sail from the Brazilian port of Rio Grande. The expedition aims to study the impact of climate change on the environment. However, according to reports from the Polish Press Agency and "Daily Maverick", the primary objective is to search for resources such as oil and gas in Eastern Antarctica.
This 60-day expedition includes over 500 scientists from seven countries: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, China, India, Peru, and Russia. Researchers from South Africa will also join the team. The expedition will visit coastal research stations belonging to China, India, and Russia, covering a distance of approximately 12,500 miles.
Russia, isolated on the international stage following the invasion of Ukraine, is seeking new partnerships within the BRICS group. Cooperation with BRICS countries, which maintain a neutral stance on the conflict, enables Russia to continue its scientific endeavours. This expedition is part of Russia's 70th Antarctic mission, and the country operates five year-round research stations there.
The international polar research community strongly condemned Russian aggression against Ukraine during the Antarctic management forum in June 2022. Nevertheless, Russia continues its research activities with support from BRICS nations, disregarding these criticisms.
The latest expedition will not only focus on scientific research but also on the exploration for natural resources, raising concerns about the potential impact on Antarctica's environment.
