1,000 kilometres from Antarctica
The closest gateway to the White Continent.
The gateway
to Antarctica
Integrated services from Ushuaia for Antarctic programs and expeditions.
Contact us54°48′ SUshuaia1.000 kmTo Antarctica2 daysBy sea
Ushuaia Polar Cluster
Everything an Antarctic operation needs from Ushuaia.
The Ushuaia Polar Cluster (POLARUSH) brings together leading logistics, maritime and air services, infrastructure, technology, healthcare and supply companies, alongside scientific and academic institutions and specialised service providers, to deliver integrated solutions for Antarctic programs, scientific expeditions and international operators.
21+Companies and institutions
9Service areas
2 daysSailing time to Antarctica
Why is Ushuaia the best gateway to Antarctica?
More than 90 percent
of global Antarctic maritime tourism
Operates from Ushuaia as a home port for expeditions to Antarctica.
More than 500
port calls per season
One of the busiest passenger ports in the Southern Hemisphere.
More than 550
metres of operational quay
Capacity to serve cargo, passenger, fishing and Antarctic operations.
More than 250,000
visitors per year
Infrastructure equipped for international-scale operations.
Operations
maritime · air · land
Integrated logistics and support for polar operations.
Complementary capabilitiesPolarUsh / Services
Service areas
PolarUsh brings together the essential services required for Antarctic operations: logistics, mobility, infrastructure, science, supplies, healthcare, connectivity, legal support and strategic intelligence. Explore each area and the PolarUsh members delivering these capabilities from Ushuaia.
A network of capabilitiesPolarUsh / Members
Who are the members of POLARUSH?
PolarUsh brings together companies, institutions and specialised service providers from Tierra del Fuego to deliver high-quality services to the international Antarctic community.
FINNOVA
Research and strategy for the development of Tierra del Fuego.
CADIC-CONICET
Leading institution in Antarctic and sub-Antarctic scientific research.
UNTDF
Public university dedicated to polar education and research.
POPPER
Specialised equipment for expeditions and outdoor operations.
IMCOFUE
Industrial solutions for infrastructure and production.
EXSO
Logistics and air services for national and international campaigns.
FOCUS RESEARCH
Research, strategy and communications to unlock your potential.
DELVER AGENTS
Port agency specialising in Antarctic logistics and operations.
SALK
Pharmaceutical services and the supply of medicines and medical equipment.
Destino Sustentable
Integrated waste management, consulting, logistics, processing and certified final disposal.
CLINICA SAN JORGE
Specialised medical coverage for remote operations.
ARAKUR
Hospitality and expedition support for programs, groups and visitors.
SURTRUCK
Industrial services ensuring operational continuity for Antarctic activities.
RUMBO SUR
Destination services, excursions, navigation and transport.
ABAMAR
Maritime operations and port logistics for Antarctic campaigns.
TANTE SARA
Food supply services for operations.
TV FUEGO
Technology infrastructure for telecommunications and operational continuity.
KPZ Abogados
Legal advisory in maritime, customs, contract and administrative law.
VOLAR
Air mobility for operations and expeditions in extreme environments.
USHUAIA SHIPPING
Maritime and port services for expeditions.
ORIGINAL HOUSE
Accommodation and guest services for visitors and teams.
Our strengths
What sets us apart
Infrastructure, experience and polar knowledge in one place.
Closer to Antarctica
- 1.000 km from Antarctica
- < 1 día sailing time
- < 4 horas flight time
Strategic infrastructure
- Deep-water port · 1.200 m of berthing space · 11–12 m draught
- +500 port calls per season · passengers, cargo and maritime support
- International airport · 2.800 m
Operate efficiently
- 1 logistics hub
- 15+ specialised organisations
- 1 integrated ecosystem
Scale and proven experience
- +90% of global Antarctic tourism
- 500+ expeditions per season
- 250.000 passengers per year
Global connectivity
- International runway: 2.800 m
- Strategic location: 5 km from the port
- Domestic and international connectivity
- Wide-body aircraft and passenger and cargo operations
Services meeting international standards
- Infrastructure equipped for international operations
- 84 hotel and supplementary accommodation establishments
- +173.000 accommodation places available per month
Polar science and knowledge
- 2 leading polar science institutions
- 60 years of research from Ushuaia
- +190 scientists and specialists
Antarctic competitiveness report
A strategic analysis of Ushuaia’s capabilities, opportunities and challenges as an international gateway to Antarctica.
Download the reportInformation for planningResources
Resources and
operational intelligence
Explore data, tools and specialised content to understand the Antarctic ecosystem and support operational planning from Ushuaia:
01Antarctic Treaty Secretariat02COMNAP | Council of Managers of National Antarctic Programs03IAATO04Argentine Antarctic Institute05Outreach resources | CADIC06Services – Port of Ushuaia07Ushuaia International Airport08ATCM and CEP Meeting Papers & Reports09SCAR Antarctic Map Catalogue at SCAR Map Catalogue10Air Operations Planning Maps | Map Catalogue - AADC11International Hydrographic Organisation | Maps
Let’s connect capabilities
Contact
Ushuaia Polar Cluster