MV Greenpeace

The MV "Greenpeace" was a Greenpeace ship built in 1959 as an ocean going tug/salvage vessel and originally named the "Elbe". She was purchased by Greenpeace in 1977 and refitted with modern equipment before being relaunched in 1986. She took over from the first "Rainbow Warrior", which had been sunk in 1985 by French commandos. In 2001 she was replaced by the MV "Esperanza".

Career

During her 15 years of service with Greenpeace, the "MV" or "Black Pig" as she was affectionately known by her crew, [ [http://archive.greenpeace.org/comms/vrml/rw/text/def/mvgp.html The MV Greenpeace at Greenpeace.org] ] circumnavigated the globe several times, participating in numerous campaigns. Her first deployment was as part of a peace convoy protesting against French Nuclear Testing at Moruroa Atoll. The next decade and a half saw her involved in Greenpeace campaigns around the world, from the Persian Gulf to the Antarctic.

Whilst participating in protests against the US testing of Trident missiles in 1989, the "Greenpeace" was rammed by US Navy vessels. [ [http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2000/jul/08/richardnortontaylor.julianborger World holds breath as US tests son of Star Wars - The Guardian] ] . In late 1993 crew aboard the ship exposed Russian ships dumping 900 tonnes of liquid radioactive waste into the Sea of Japan. [ [http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg14018980.500-nuclear-dumping-at-sea-goads-japan-into-action-.html Nuclear dumping at sea goads Japan into action - New Scientist] ] Protests against the resumption of French nuclear testing in French Polynesia followed in 1995. During this time the vessel was boarded and detained by French police in international waters. [ [http://www.time.com/time/international/1995/950918/cover.southpacific.html DEAD-SERIOUS PRANKSTERS - Time Magazine] ]

The "Greenpeace" was replaced in 2001 by the MY "Esperanza". [ [http://www.greenpeace.org/international/about/ships/the-esperanza MY Esperanza at Greenpeace.org] ] . She has since been reconverted to her original form as the "Elbe" and is now a museum ship in Rotterdam. [ [http://archive.greenpeace.org/earthsummit/esperanza/esperanza.html Career of "Esperanza" and replacement of "Greenpeace"] ]

Other Greenpeace Vessels

*MV "Sirius"
*MV "Solo"
*MV "Moby Dick"
*MY "Rainbow Warrior"
*MY "Arctic Sunrise"
*MY "Esperanza"

References

* [http://archive.greenpeace.org/marine/mvgp_gen.html Information about MV "Greenpeace"]
* [http://archive.greenpeace.org/marine/ All Greenpeace Ships]