Ary Rongel

The Ary Rongel (H-44) is an ice-strengthened oceanographic research vessel operated by the Brazilian Navy. It is primarily deployed to support the Brazilian Antarctic Program (PROANTAR) by transporting personnel, supplies, and scientific equipment to the Comandante Ferraz Antarctic Station. The vessel is equipped with specialized laboratories and sensors to conduct meteorological, hydrographic, and oceanographic research in polar environments.

Originally built in Finland in 1981 as the commercial icebreaker and supply vessel Polar Queen, the ship was acquired by the Brazilian Navy in 1993 to replace the aging Barão de Teffé. It was officially commissioned into Brazilian service in April 1994 and renamed Ary Rongel in honor of Admiral Ary dos Santos Rongel. Since its commissioning, the vessel has completed dozens of annual Antarctic deployments (OPERANTAR), navigating the challenging waters of the Southern Ocean. It remains in active service, though the Brazilian Navy has initiated plans for its eventual replacement by a newly constructed polar support vessel.