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VP0SG - South Georgia Isl.
- May 23, 2025
- 7 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
VP0SG Update (Jun 06)
The VP0SG team gathering at the LN8W contest station is progressing exactly as planned. With operators travelling from across Europe and North America, the weekend has already proven to be an invaluable opportunity to exchange experience, review operational plans, test equipment, and discuss key topics such as assembling antenna and camp, biosecurity, safety, and environmental compliance
Beyond the technical preparations, the atmosphere has been excellent, with team members sharing stories from previous DXpeditions and contest operations while building the strong relationships that will be essential for success in South Georgia.
The combination of experience, enthusiasm, and teamwork on display this weekend gives us great confidence as we continue preparing for VP0SG in March 2027.
Let’s go!
VP0SG Update (Jun 04)
Over the next three days, the full VP0SG team will gather at the LN8W contest station near Oslo for an important preparation and team-building exercise. Team members will be travelling from across Europe and the United States, demonstrating the commitment and dedication behind this ambitious project.
The meeting will provide an opportunity for operators to get to know each other better, review expedition objectives, assemble and test equipment, discuss safety procedures, and receive detailed briefings on biosecurity and environmental requirements associated with operating in South Georgia. Just as importantly, it will allow the team to build the cohesion and trust that are essential for a successful operation in one of the world's most remote and challenging environments.
We look forward to sharing highlights from the weekend as preparations for VP0SG continue to gather momentum.
VP0SG Update (May 14)
Third Young Operator Announced – We have a full VP0SG team!
The VP0SG team is pleased to announce that Megan EI5LA will join the South Georgia island 2027 DXpedition as our third and final young operator. With her addition, the VP0SG team is now complete and consists of 16 operators from Europe and North America.
Megan, aged 19, is currently studying engineering at University College Cork and has been active in amateur radio since receiving her license in 2021. Since then, she has become an active member of the EI7M contest team, developing a particular interest in CW contesting and high-level multi-operator operations.
Her contest experience already includes participation in several major international efforts, including CQ WW SSB 2025 from PJ2T. Together with Leon DL3ON one of the VP0SG team, she was also part of the youngest team at WRTC 2022 in Italy, operating as I44P.
Beyond contesting, Megan is actively involved in the Region 1 Youngsters On The Air (YOTA) community, reflecting her strong commitment to the future of amateur radio and youth engagement within the hobby.
With the addition of Megan, alongside KN2P and DL3ON, VP0SG reinforces its commitment to mentoring and integrating the next generation of DXers into complex real-world DXpedition operations. We are proud to see experienced operators and young talent working side by side on what will be one of the major DXpeditions of 2027.
Preparations continue to progress steadily, including logistics, permitting discussions with GSGSSI, and fundraising efforts linked to the expedition vessel MV MEREDIAN.
The VP0SG team will also be represented at the 2026 Dayton Hamvention, where we plan to be hosted at our sponsor GigaParts booth (Building 3, Marconi) this Friday and Saturday where KN2P Violetta and W0ZB Steve will meet members of the amateur radio community, sponsors, and supporters of the project.
Our first major milestone payment for the vessel is soon approaching, and we welcome your support via upfront donations.
Further updates will follow in the coming weeks.
Best Regards,
VP0SG Team
VP0SG Update (Mar 02)
The VP0SG South Georgia island 2027 team would like to sincerely thank the first organizations that have provided financial support to our DXpedition: the FEDXP Foundation (Japan), the LA-DX-Group (Norway) and ART37 (France).
Your trust and support are essential in helping us move forward with this ambitious activation of one of the world’s most wanted DXCC entities. Securing the vessel was a major milestone, and the support from clubs and foundations like yours plays a key role in making this project possible.
VP0SG is a privately funded expedition, and we welcome additional support from DX clubs, foundations, and individual donors. Every contribution helps bring South Georgia island on the air for the global amateur radio community.
You want to support us?
More information on how to support the expedition is available at https://www.ardxpeditions.com/dxpeditions/vp0sg
73s
The VP0SG Team
VP0SG Update (Feb 17, 2026)
ARDXpeditions is now actively fundraising for the VP0SG South Georgia DXpedition.
Your contribution will directly support vessel charter, transport, permits, fuel, and essential equipment for this major operation.
If you would like to support the project, you can donate securely via PayPal:
Every contribution — large or small — helps bring VP0SG on the air for the global amateur radio community.
Thank you for your support.
VP0SG Update (Jan 07, 2026)
The VP0SG South Georgia 2027 DXpedition, organized by Amateur Radio DXpeditions (ARD), is pleased to announce that the team is now complete with the addition of Violetta, KN2P.
Licensed since 2012, Violetta represents the next generation of active DXers, bringing strong operating skills and international experience. She has operated from major contest stations including W3LPL, K3LR, PJ2T, and J62K, and has prior DXpedition experience as part of E51MWA.
Outside amateur radio, Violetta is a single- and multi-engine flight instructor, contributing strong operational awareness and safety-oriented experience to the team.
Her inclusion reflects ARD’s commitment to mentorship and generational continuity in DXpeditioning, ensuring that future leaders gain hands-on experience in complex and environmentally sensitive operations.
With this addition, the VP0SG team is now finalized and preparations continue toward the planned March 2027 activation of South Georgia, subject to final permitting.
Support the VP0SG DXpedition
VP0SG is a privately funded DXpedition supported by operator contributions, amateur radio clubs, foundations, and individual donors. Financial support is essential to make this rare activation possible.
VP0SG Update (Dec 22, 2025)
VP0SG South Georgia 2027 – Team Announcement and Leadership Update
The VP0SG South Georgia 2027 DXpedition, organized by Amateur Radio DXpeditions (ARD), continues to move forward with key milestones achieved in recent months.
ARD is pleased to announce the current operator roster, which now consists of experienced operators from Europe and North America.
We are very happy to announce that Steve W0ZB has joined the expedition leadership as Co-Leader and Team Doctor, strengthening the expedition’s leadership representation from North America and bringing his professional medical expertise to the project.
Current operator team:
F4HEC, G0VJG, G4PVM, IU2EFB, LA3BO, LA7THA, LB1QI, LB5GI, OE7PGI, OK2WX, UR8UQ, UT5UY, W0ZB
The expedition plans to operate from South Georgia in March 2027 under the callsign VP0SG, subject to final landing permitting. The logistics platform has been secured with the expedition vessel MV MEREDIAN, operated by 60° South.
Engagement with the Government of South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands is ongoing and progressing positively.
Donations and Support
VP0SG is a privately funded DXpedition supported by operator contributions, amateur radio clubs, foundations, and individual donors. Financial support is essential to make this rare activation possible.
Information on donations and project updates can be found at:
Let's make it happen with your help!
Further updates will be published as planning progresses.
73s
VP0SG Team
VP0SG Update (Dec 2025)
Amateur Radio DXpeditions (ARD) is pleased to announce a major milestone in the preparation of the VP0SG South Georgia 2027 DXpedition. We have successfully signed the vessel contract and first deposit is being paid, officially securing our expedition vessel: the MV MEREDIAN, operated by 60° South Expeditions.
Vessel Secured – Partnership with 60° South
The MV MEREDIAN is a robust, ice-strengthened expedition vessel capable of safely supporting land-based operations in the challenging sub-Antarctic environment. The experience of the 60° South team, combined with their long track record in the region, makes them an ideal partner for this ambitious project.
Securing the vessel represents a crucial step that moves VP0SG from planning to reality.
Progress With the Government of South Georgia
We are pleased to report positive progress in our ongoing dialogue with the Government of South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands (GSGSSI).
Our early planning has been well received, and the framework of our proposed operation is considered consistent with current guidance.
While the formal permit process will open in 2026, GSGSSI has expressed a willingness to continue working with us as we refine our plans throughout the coming months.
This represents a highly encouraging step toward obtaining the final landing permit required for onshore operations in 2027.
Team Announcement Coming Soon
Our operator team continues to take shape. We currently have 12 confirmed operators, with the potential addition of two more to further strengthen our capability in harsh environments using all modes (CW, SSB and FT8).
A full team announcement will be made very soon in our next press release.
Donations and Sponsorship
With the vessel secured, our fundraising phase is now fully underway.
We invite foundations, clubs, and individual donors who wish to support a rare activation of South Georgia to join us in making VP0SG a major DXpedition for the global amateur radio community.
VP0SG (May 23)
Amateur Radio DXpeditions (ARD) is proud to announce plans for a groundbreaking DXpedition to South Georgia Island, set to take place in March 2027.
Operating under the allocated callsign VP0SG, this ambitious activation will target one of the rarest and most logistically challenging DXCC entities, well ranked on top of the ClubLog’s Most Wanted List, with particularly high demand in some areas of the world.
The remote sub-Antarctic island of South Georgia poses access difficulties due to its protected environmental status, mountainous terrain, and volatile weather conditions. After extensive negotiations and ongoing permitting discussions with the Government of South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands (GSGSSI), ARD is optimistic about securing authorization for an onshore operation.
The team has reserved a rugged, ice-strengthened expedition motor vessel known for its support of polar science missions for the period of the DXpedition to South Georgia. The ship's versatility and compact size make it an ideal platform for staging low-impact landings and providing continuous logistical support to the operator team.
“Our goal is to deliver a world-class, environmentally responsible DXpedition with global reach” said Rune LA7THA, one of the ARD leadership team. “This project combines technical innovation, strategic planning, and a strong commitment to youth mentorship.”
As a project that aligns closely with the values of international amateur radio collaboration, education, and high-impact DXing, ARD is currently seeking sponsorship and support from key organizations in the amateur radio community to bring VP0SG to life.
MORE INFORMATION TO COME! STAY TUNED
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