It is named after the Alpha Crucis star system that represents São Paulo state in the Brazilian flag.

[2] The vessel was built in 1974, and was originally called Moana Wave.

In 2010, the Foundation for Research Support of the State of São Paulo funded the acquisition of Alpha Crucis after a fire in 2008 rendered RV Wladimir Besnard inoperable.

The vessel is being used for several research projects in Brazil, in topics such as global climate change and biodiversity.

This article about a specific civilian ship or boat is a stub.