BIO Hesperides

BIO Hespérides (A-33), is a Spanish polar research vessel. She was built in 1990, by Bazán Shipyards of Cartagena, Spain. Hespérides 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. Hespérides is classified by Lloyd's Register of Shipping with ice class 1C. She can move through up to 0.5 metres (1 ft 8 in) of ice at 5 knots (9.3 km/h; 5.8 mph). Her propulsion system uses a computer-controlled variable-pitch propeller and stern and bow thrusters. The vessel carries one helicopter.