The Esperanza (Spanish for hope) is the largest vessel in the Greenpeace fleet and is the first Greenpeace ship to be named by visitors to our Web site.

History

Built in Gdansk, Poland, in 1984 the Esperanza - one of 14 vessels commissioned by the Russian government - was used by the Russian Navy as a fire-fighting ship in Murmansk. At 236.2 feet, with a top speed of 15 knots, Esperanza is ideal for fast and long-range work, such as chasing the Japanese whaling fleet! It is equipped with a first-class communications system and its ice-class status makes it suitable for work in the polar regions.

The "Greenest" Ship

After chartering Esperanza in early 2002, Greenpeace spent many months refitting it to the highest possible environmental standards.  First we removed and contained the asbestos onboard, then we added:

• more efficient diesel engines;
• onboard recycling of waste water;
• a waste-based heating system,
• bilge water purifiers;
• TBT-free hull paint;
• ammonia-based refrigeration and air-conditioning; and
• an environmentally and economically efficient propulsion system to reduce CO2 emissions.

Esperanza now sails as a proud example of a truly "green" ship!

Actions

Since her launch, the Esperanza and her crew have had a special connection with our oceans. In 2005 alone, she was instrumental in many campaigns to defend ocean life including taking action against dolphin-killing pair trawlers in the English Channel, scientific research on The Mingulay reef complex off Scotland, action against bottom trawling in the North Atlantic, and promoting marine reserves in the North Sea.

During this expedition the Esperanza will be the home, office and workshop for the crew in some of the most remote regions of the world and is equipped with a top class communications system.