Die SA Agulhas II. (Photo: DFFE)
Logistical challenges to obtain specialized polar diesel for the IN Agulhas II-relay to Marion Island further delayed the ship’s departure.
The delays in obtaining the special fuel are mainly attributed to the international scarcity of certain fuel products due to the ongoing geopolitical situation in the Middle East.
“We are working closely with all involved players to limit the delay without compromising safety, and the voyage can continue as soon as all operational requirements have been met,” says Willie Aucamp, the minister of forestry, fisheries and the environment.
“All precautions are taken to ensure our teams return home safely.”
The base station on Marion Island. (Photo: Sanap)
Die IN Agulhas II was initially supposed to depart in April, but the cruise was delayed due to the fuel problems. Special polar diesel is required for Antarctic and sub-Antarctic operations. A shipment of the diesel arrived at the refinery in Cape Town on 1 May.
The department also tried to obtain the fuel from other coastal refineries such as East London, Port Elizabeth and Durban, but nothing was available.
(Photo: Sanap)
A special process is followed to mix the polar diesel and thereby ensure that it does not crystallize or freeze in the extreme cold. Its mix and tests are ongoing. The fuel is expected to be delivered to the ship within two days after laboratory tests confirm the mixture is correct.
Die IN Agulhas II will leave right after.
According to the department, the wintering team currently on Marion Island is safe. There are – without conservation measures – still enough polar diesel reserves on the island to last until about 20 May. There is still enough food stock for the team that left for the island in April last year, says a statement from the minister.
As part of contingency plans, there are reserve fuel and food supplies on the island. This includes back-up petrol generators and nine research huts with sufficient stock to be used in an emergency.
About the IN Agulhas II
The SA Agulhas II was the first ship in the world to be built according to the new international standards for ships of this type. The ship can travel 28,000 km at a speed of approximately 26 km/h and has the ability to break 1 meter thick ice at a speed of 5 knots.
The SA Agulhas II has the ability to break ice. (Photo: DFFE)