South Africa is interested in the new Ukrainian icebreaker

Scientists from the Republic of South Africa want to conduct Antarctic research with the help of a Ukrainian icebreaker.

This was discussed at a meeting between the First Deputy Minister of Education of Ukraine Andriy Vitrenko and the South African Ambassador to Ukraine Andre Groenewald.

According to the press service of the Ministry of Education, “Ukraine is ready to exchange and conduct general scientific research in the directions necessary for both sides.”

As USM reported, the icebreaker James Clark Ross, which Ukraine bought from Britain, entered the port of Odesa on October 5th.

This research vessel will operate as part of the National Antarctic Scientific Center. In addition, Ukrainian polar explorers need their own icebreaker to get to the Akademik Vernadsky station.

Ukraine purchased an icebreaker from Great Britain for USD 5 million. But its maintenance will cost up to UAH 195 million (USD 7.4 million) annually – this is more than the cost of the vessel itself.