RosGeo, the state-owned Russian exploration company that operates the Akademik Alexander Karpinsky, says it has been conducting research in Russia’s designated part of Antarctica since 1970 to explore for hydrocarbons.
According to RosGeo’s website, the hydrocarbon potential of the designated area is estimated at approximately 70 billion tonnes.
RosGeo did not immediately reply to a request for comment.
Extinction Rebellion representative Cassie Goodman told Reuters that South Africa’s government was being complicit in environmental damage by allowing the Russian ship to dock.
