Greenpeace’s Esperanza berths in Sydney’s White Bay, steps away from our place. This is the second or third time that we’ve spotted the ship in our front yard. The 72m long former firefighting vessel has been in Greenpeace’s services since 2002, and is famous for its anti-whaling campaigns in the Antarctica.

Launching a campaign to make alternative energy usage more attractive through legislation, Greenpeace is holding open days along some harbours on the east coast of Australia. The public is invited to see the ship, hear from crew members, and get involved in the new campaign.

“Join the energy [r]evolution” is the name of Greenpeace’s campaign to increase usage of alternative energy sources.

A Dutch shiphand explains the history of the ship and shares stories of their recent activities in the Antarctica. “Finding a whaling ship is difficult: imagine you’re in a truck and try spotting another one in an area the size of the US…”.

Large cranes on both sides of the Esperanza are used to launch the inflatable Zodiacs to the water. There is a helicopter landing area and hangar on the ship, as well as Internet connection and other communication equipment. The ship can carry up to 33 people.