The Ministry for Business, Innovation and Employment contracts Earth Sciences New Zealand to provide access for New Zealand based research organisations to RV Tangaroa as a national facility to undertake marine research.

RV Tangaroa undertake voyages to the Ross Sea every two years, with each voyage contributing to our growing understanding of the region. The 2027 voyage will mark the vessel’s 17th voyage trip of its kind to Antarctica.

These voyages are designed to better understand the impacts of climate change on Antarctica’s Ross Sea and the impacts of a changing Ross Sea on the rest of the globe. It is expected that these voyages are aligned with New Zealand’s marine research strategies and priorities, and Antarctic work outlined in the Aotearoa New Zealand Antarctic Research Directions and Priorities.