The ITALICA is owned since 1990 by the Italian company Diamar. She is used used for the Italian Antarctic research program "Italiantartide" as a supply vessel, carrying goods, food, wine, technical materials for the Mario Zucchelli base in Antarctica. She was built in 1981 as Jugonavigator by the Vyborg Shipyard, Russia. Pioner Moskvy program, 27 units. She received important modifications to the hull and superstructures, with the addition of cabins, scientific laboratories, a platform for helicopter, etc.
She is moored in Crotone, Italy, between two expeditions towards the white continent.
Thank you a lot to share your pictures of this superb vessel.

Yes, modified to support the permanent Italian Antarctic station in Terra Nova Bay. Hence "ItaliAntardide"
http://www.italiantartide.it/spedizioni/xxvi/

An interesting vessel. I take it she does more than carry cargo, given her extra accommodation and communication equipment? regards, Hugh