National Science Foundation urged to reconsider ending lease on research icebreaker

A group of more than 170 researchers has called on the US National Science Foundation (NSF) to reconsider its plans to terminate the lease of the research icebreaker Nathaniel B. Palmer in October of this year.

In a letter addressed to NSF leadership and the US Congress, the researchers emphasised that the 1992-built Palmer is currently the only US-flagged research icebreaker capable of accessing the most remote areas of Antarctica and the Southern Ocean.

"The early loss of Palmer is troubling, especially at a time when other nations, including China, Korea, Japan, Britain, and Australia, among others, are increasing their marine capability for Antarctic waters," the letter stated.

The researchers said that the decision to terminate the lease, "forecasts the decline of an exceptional history of US scientific contributions," whereas, "a continued US ship-based presence," will have, "strong, strategic and national security geopolitical implications."

"We urge reconsideration of the decision to terminate the lease of Nathaniel B. Palmer, and the continued forward-looking development of the next generation of Antarctic research vessels that will continue US leadership, scientifically and geopolitically, in the high southern latitudes," the letter concluded.

The planned retirement of Palmer is part of the NSF's plan to re-allocate existing resources to sustain the operation of the US-operated McMurdo, Amundsen‑Scott South Pole, and Palmer research stations on Antarctica.