The MV Esperanza, launched in February 2002, is the latest and largest vessel in the Greenpeace fleet, replacing the now retired MV Greenpeace.

The Esperanza was built in Gdansk, Poland, in 1984 and was one of 14 similar vessels commissioned by the Russian government and used by the Russian Navy as a fire fighting ship in Murmansk. Lack of funds saw the ship laid up for some years in the late 80's, then sold a couple of times, finally working in Norway as a supply vessel.

At 72 metres and with a top speed of 18 knots, the ship is ideal for fast and long range work. The ship's ice class status means it can also work in polar regions.

It took many months to refit the ship in as environmentally friendly way as possible.

Improvements include:

• The removal or safe containment of all asbestos;
• Fitting a special fuel system to avoid spillage;
• Newly fitted,more efficient, diesel engines;
• On board re-cycling of waste water, leaving only clean water pumped overboard;
• A waste based heating system;
• Bilge water purifiers, 15 times more effective than current legislation demands;
• TBT-free hull paint;
• Ammonia based refrigeration and air-conditioning rather than climate changing and ozone depleting Freon gas - the first Dutch registered vessel to be so fitted; and
• Environmentally and economically efficient propulsion system to reduce CO2 emissions.

In addition, standard Greenpeace operating equipment has also been fitted. A new helicopter deck has been added, as well as special boat cranes to launch the inflatables.

The MV Esperanza will be at sea all year round, working in some of the most remote regions of the world and is equipped with a top class communications system, which can not only keep it in touch with on-shore campaigners but can also transmit photographs and video materials around the world.

A crew of 12-16 will operate the Esperanza, but the ship can carry up to 48 on board.

The MV Esperanza was named by Greenpeace supporters through a cyber contest on the Greenpeace website. Esperanza mean"Hope".

Greenpeace has three full time vessels in service - the SV Rainbow Warrior, the MV Arctic Sunrise and now the MV Esperanza. The MV Greenpeace, which the Esperanza replaces, has been donated to the Rotterdam Maritime museum as a working exhibit, and will be used for educational and vocational projects for disadvantaged children and young adults .