The frigate ARA Libertad is currently sailing in the Atlantic Ocean: it has left Puerto Limón in Costa Rica and is heading to Fortaleza, the fifth most populous city in Brazil with around 2.6 million inhabitants. This will be the last of the 10 international ports the vessel will visit before returning to Argentina on an estimated date of November 23.
Fragata Libertad: Technical Specifications The ARA Libertad is the training ship of the Argentine Navy, launched in 1963 and designed for the training of midshipmen. In addition, it hosts guests from other armed forces, security services, and training institutes, both national and from countries with which Argentina maintains cooperative ties.
Fragata Libertad: Itinerary of its 53rd Instructional Voyage The voyage of the Fragata Libertad began on Saturday, June 7, at 5:00 PM, when it departed from the port of Buenos Aires en route to Brazil, and then proceeded to Spain.
The Fragata Libertad is a historic and symbolic emblem of Argentina: every year, the midshipmen of the navy undertake a world tour to put into practice their knowledge of maneuvers, safety, meteorology, naval mechanics, and navigation.
Currently, the Fragata Libertad is on its 53rd instructional voyage in history, which has the following characteristics: Start: June 7, 2025 Duration: 169 days Route: 39,700 km (21,425 nautical miles) Destinations: 10 international ports in the Americas and Europe Cruising speed: 12 knots (22.2 km/h)
The instructional voyage serves to train the midshipmen of the navy. Furthermore, each voyage functions as an opportunity to represent Argentina internationally, participating in regattas, visits to foreign ports, and diplomatic events, consolidating its role as the country's 'floating ambassador.'
Throughout its history, the Fragata Libertad has participated in historical events and significant voyages, including international regattas and instructional trips that have taken it to all continents, remaining a symbol of the Navy and Argentine national pride.
According to Agencia Noticias Argentinas, the crew of the ARA Libertad totals 270 people, composed of 27 officers, 51 midshipmen, and 192 petty officers and seamen.
As a three-masted square-rigged frigate, it has 27 Dacron sails, distributed among square sails, staysails, jibs, and spankers, covering a surface area of 2,652 m², which allows it to sail primarily under sail and maintain maritime tradition.
Its main mission is to complete the professional training of the midshipmen, providing them with experience in maneuvers, navigation, leadership, and teamwork under real sea conditions.
The itinerary includes two transatlantic crossings and an average stay of four days in each port.
The itinerary of the 53rd instructional voyage of the Fragata Libertad is reproduced below: Buenos Aires (Argentina): June 7 (Departure). Recife (Brazil): June 21-25. Ferrol (Spain): July 16-20. Kristiansand (Norway): July 29 - August 2. Hamburg (Germany): August 4-8. Amsterdam (Netherlands): August 10-14. Lisbon (Portugal): August 23-26. Puerto Limón (Costa Rica): September 21-24. Baltimore (United States): October 6-10. Santo Domingo (Dominican Republic): October 19-21. Fortaleza (Brazil): November 4-6. Rada La Plata (Argentina): November 22-23 (Return). Buenos Aires (Argentina): November 23.
The Fragata Libertad was docked at the Broadway Pier, Fells Point, Baltimore, United States. It measures 103.75 meters in length, 14.31 meters in beam, and has a draft of 6.60 meters, with a depth of 11 meters, displacing 3,765 tons at full load.
Its propulsion consists of two Sulzer diesel engines of 1,200 HP each, connected to a single shaft via a Pomini system, allowing it to reach a maximum speed of 13.8 knots and a cruising speed of 12 knots.
The Fragata Libertad is scheduled to dock at the port of Buenos Aires on November 23.
