US Reduces Antarctic Presence as South Korea Expands Research Role

The United States has scaled back its dedicated Antarctic research operations, while South Korea has increased its involvement in the region’s scientific activities. These developments reflect a broader shift in the logistics and funding of Antarctic research efforts.

The National Science Foundation (NSF) in the US terminated its lease of the Nathaniel B. Palmer, which had served as the country’s primary research icebreaker in Antarctica. Following this decision, the United States no longer has a dedicated vessel for Antarctic research missions.

In its proposed budget for fiscal year 2026, the NSF included a plan to reduce polar science funding by about 70%. This proposal also called for the decommissioning of the Nathaniel B. Palmer, further limiting the US’s ability to support long-term research in Antarctica.

During the 2025-2026 research season, the NSF arranged for two ships from the US Academic Research Fleet—the Sikuliaq and Roger Revelle—to serve as temporary replacements for Antarctic cruises. These vessels were enlisted to maintain some level of research activity despite the absence of a dedicated icebreaker.

What the numbers show

• The NSF’s proposed 2026 budget includes a 70% cut to polar science funding
• The Araon is a 360-foot-long icebreaker operated by South Korea
• The Nathaniel B. Palmer was decommissioned ahead of the 2025-2026 field season

With the retirement of the US icebreaker, South Korea’s Araon has become the only vessel with long-term plans to conduct regular voyages to Thwaites Glacier. The Araon is managed by the Korea Polar Research Institute and is equipped to handle challenging Antarctic conditions.

An international team used the Araon to carry out a high-risk expedition to Thwaites Glacier. The team’s mission focused on studying the impact of warm ocean currents on the glacier’s stability, contributing to ongoing scientific understanding of the region.

These changes in research vessel deployment indicate a shift in the operational landscape for Antarctic science. The transition has affected which countries are able to maintain a consistent presence in remote areas such as Thwaites Glacier.

As the United States adjusts its approach to Antarctic research, South Korea’s continued investment in the Araon positions it as a key participant in future scientific expeditions to the region. The ongoing use of temporary US ships maintains some research capacity, but the absence of a dedicated American icebreaker marks a change in the country’s logistical capabilities.

* This article is based on publicly available information at the time of writing.