GENERAL SAN MARTIN
Posted: Sun Oct 19, 2008 4:50 pm
Built as an icebreaker/research vessel by the A. G. Weser Werke at Bremerhaven, Germany for the Argentinean Government.
24 June 1954 launched under the name GENERAL SAN MARTIN. (Q4)
Tonnage 3.640 grt, 955 net, 1.600 dwt., dim. 85.1 x 18.6 x 6.4m.
Displacement 4.854 tons standard, 5.301 tons full load.
Powered; Diesel electric by 2 MAN 9-cyl. diesels, driving a main generator to two shafts, 7.100 hp., speed 16 knots. The D.C. motors were manufactured by Allemeine Elektricita-Gesellschaft und Schifbau.
Range 37.000 miles a 10 knots.
Armament 1 – 4.1 inch guns and 2 –40mm AA Bofors.
Crew 160.
She had an all welded hull, strengthened shell plating and an icebreaking bow for navigation in Antarctic waters.
Fitted out with laboratories for meteorological and oceanographical research including equipment for measuring temperatures, air humidity and wind direction at great heights, and a unit capable of lifting samples of sediment from the ocean bed down to depths of 3.280 fathoms.
The enclosed crow’s nest facilitates navigation where there may be the presence of icebergs and floating blocks of ice.
A number of motor boats and barges are provided for the purpose of carrying research groups on independent expeditions.
The Antarctic Institute for Antarctic research and supplying the Argentine bases located there used her. She was fitted for icebreaking and was special insulated against cold weather.
Later she was fitted out with one reconnaissance aircraft and one helicopter.
Refitted in 1972 and a second radar mast fitted aft of the helicopter hangar.
She was decommissioned on 26 September 1980 and on 10 August 1982 sold to Industry Metalúrgica Constantino Davidoff for Arg$ 1.500.000.000.
She was broken up at Principe and Menghi Dock Sur, after having steamed over 400.000 miles during her career.
She was replaced by ALMIRANTE IRIZAR in 1979.
On Argentine 1965 4p sg 1127, scott 770.
Source: Merchant Ships 1954. Lloyds Register 1955/56. Watercraft Philately 2004.