30
August 2002
Virtual
tour of the Esperanza
The MV Esperanza is our newest ship. It was
originally a Russian fire fighting ship so it is fast, ice
capable and can travel long distances. It was named by Greenpeace
supporters through a contest on the Greenpeace
website. Esperanza means "Hope".
The Esperanza requires a crew of 12 - 16
but can carry up to 48. A Greenpeace ship works all year round
and travels to all corners of the globe. It sometimes functions
as campaign headquarters so is equipped with all manner of
communication and office equipment, as well as carrying four
inflatable boats and sometimes a helicopter. It is 75 meters
long and has a top speed of 18 knots. There are 5 main decks
and a lot of stairs. Before sailing as a Greenpeace ship the
Esperanza was extensively refitted to be as environmentally
friendly as possible. There is more information about the
Esperanza available here, information
about other Greenpeace ships here,
and you can take the virtual tour
here.
Take the virtual tour here
Highlights of the Esperanza's South African
WSSD tour so far...
 19
August - The Esperanza intercepts the British Nuclear
Fuels plutonium shipment aboard the Pacific Pintail and stages
a high seas protest.
 23
August - Archbishop Desmond Tutu visited us in Cape Town
and blesses the Esperanza wishing us well on our quest for
peace and a nuclear free world.
 24
August - Greenpeace activists protest against nuclear
power at the Koeburg nuclear power plant near Cape Town. Everything
goes smoothly until the police arrive. Twelve Greenpeacers
are arrested and two boats from the Esperanza are confiscated.
 26
August - We find out that the 6 crew members arrested
at Koeberg are not allowed to return to the ship.
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