AKADEMIK ALEKSANDR KARPINSKIY

The oceanographic research vessel is specialized in seismic surveys, onboard gravimetric surveys, magnetic surveys, geological sampling, and is equipped with a multibeam echo sounder for hydrographic surveys (detailed seabed topography – bathymetric research).
The vessel is engaged in unlawful oil and natural gas exploration in the Antarctic.
In January 2023, it docked in South Africa en route to Antarctica, provoking criticism from local activists over potential support to moscow in conducting mineral exploration in the Antarctic and violating the international ban on such activities.
The global environmental movement Extinction Rebellion has linked the vessel’s activities to future mineral extraction in the region.
On 23 February 2024, the United States imposed sanctions on the vessel for large-scale oil and gas exploration in the Southern Ocean of Antarctica – a marine desert under threat from greenhouse gas emissions and extreme weather events. Much of this exploration has been conducted via Cape Town since the entry into force of the international moratorium on mining in 1998.
The vessel is owned by the sanctioned russian company Polar Marine Geosurvey Expedition JSC (АО "Полярная морская геологоразведочная экспедиция"), a subsidiary of Rosgeologia JSC (АО "Росгеология"), the russian state-owned diversified geological holding.