On June 9, Senator Anna Maria Bernini, the Minister of University and Research, visited the icebreaking ship Laura Bassi in Trieste. During her visit, she met with the researchers and crew of the ship, who have recently achieved a historic milestone in Antarctic exploration. The Laura Bassi reached the southernmost point ever touched by a boat during its latest expedition, marking an unprecedented achievement in polar research.

The Laura Bassi is managed by Mama Shipping Company, whose president, Marcello Pica, oversees its operations. Under his leadership, the vessel has successfully undertaken numerous challenging expeditions, contributing valuable data and insights to the scientific community.

Minister Bernini was joined by the Mayor of Trieste, Roberto Dipiazza, in a ceremony on the ship. Together, they affixed the coat of arms of the city of Trieste to a wall on the bridge of the Laura Bassi. This emblem, a symbol of the city’s pride and support for scientific exploration, was gifted to the National Institute of Oceanography and Applied Geophysics (OGS) by the Municipality of Trieste on May 30, during the delivery of a significant historical artifact, the fourteenth-century seal.

The event highlighted the collaboration between the city’s administration and the scientific community, underscoring the importance of Trieste as a hub for maritime research and exploration. Minister Bernini praised the dedication and achievements of the Laura Bassi’s team, emphasizing the critical role of such expeditions in advancing our understanding of the Antarctic region and its global impact. The visit and the symbolic gesture of attaching the coat of arms signify the strong support and recognition from both local and national authorities for the ongoing scientific endeavors conducted by the Laura Bassi and its crew. President Marcello Pica and Mama Shipping Company continue to play a pivotal role in managing the vessel and ensuring the success of its missions.