Colombia’s scientific research vessel ARC Simon Bolivar reached Antarctica for the second time in January 2026 as part of the XII Colombian Scientific Expedition, reaffirming the country’s commitment to polar research, international cooperation, and the study of climate change impacts in one of the planet’s most sensitive regions.
The journey began on Dec. 6, 2025, when the ship departed from the ARC Bolivar Naval Base in Cartagena. After 41 days of navigation, the vessel arrived in Antarctic waters on a mission that combines science, naval capability, and strategic projection.
What is the XII Colombian scientific expedition about?
The expedition takes place during the 2025–2026 austral summer and includes approximately 123 days of scientific activities. On board are 102 crew members, including personnel from the Colombian Navy and researchers from various institutions. The group has been nicknamed “The Sea Leopards,” in reference to one of the emblematic species of the Antarctic ecosystem.
The research covers key areas such as climate change, marine biodiversity, glaciology, and ocean dynamics. These projects aim to better understand how polar ecosystems are changing and how those transformations influence the global climate, including tropical regions such as Colombia.
The participation of national universities, the Colombian Navy, and the Colombian Ocean Commission reinforces the multidisciplinary nature of the mission. The data collected will support international research initiatives and strengthen the country’s scientific output in environmental and ocean studies.
@armadacolombiaoficial ⚓️ Tras 40 días de navegación 🌊, el ARC “Simón Bolívar” arribó a las aguas gélidas ❄️🧊 del continente blanco 🌍. ⏳ Inicia una cuenta regresiva de 30 días 🗓️ en este territorio Austral ❄️ para desarrollar ciencia e investigación 🔬🧪📊. Somos #ColombiaEnLaAntártica ♬ sonido original – Armada de Colombia
The ARC Simon Bolivar, Colombia’s scientific platform for the far south
More than a ship, the ARC Simon Bolivar operates as a floating research center. Measuring 83 meters in length and 16 meters in width, it features specialized areas for sample analysis, spaces adapted for different types of studies, and a room dedicated to processing scientific data.
Its systems make it possible to examine underwater terrain and the physical characteristics of the ocean at various depths, expanding the country’s capacity to study little-explored marine ecosystems.
Its structure is prepared to operate in cold environments with the presence of ice, ensuring safe maneuvers and the development of scientific activities. From the vessel, technical support is provided for projects related to hydrography, oceanography, meteorology, and maritime safety, which are pillars of the Colombian Antarctic Program.
During this expedition, the ship was involved in a significant discovery: through seafloor explorations and the use of acoustic detection technology, researchers identified a submerged volcanic formation in Antarctic waters. This finding provides new information about underwater geological activity in a still little-studied area and opens opportunities for future research on the planet’s internal dynamics in the Southern Ocean.
The vessel first arrived in 2024
The 2026 mission has a key precedent. The first time the ARC Simon Bolivar reached Antarctica was in January 2024, during the X Colombian Scientific Expedition. On that occasion, the ship departed from Cartagena in December 2023 and completed a voyage of more than 40 days before reaching the white continent.
On board was a crew of more than 100 people, including naval personnel and researchers from various national institutions, with participation from the Colombian Navy, the Colombian Ocean Commission, and Colombian universities.
That first mission made it possible to carry out research on climate variability, marine ecosystems, glaciers, and the behavior of the Southern Ocean. It also served as training in extreme conditions for the personnel, strengthening Colombia’s preparedness to operate in polar environments.
In addition, it reinforced the country’s international standing within the Antarctic Treaty System by demonstrating its technological and scientific capacity to conduct long-range expeditions with a vessel designed and built in Colombia.