By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), confirmed that the departure of the SA Agulhas II relief voyage to Marion Island has been delayed.
The delay is primarily due to the global scarcity of fuel products linked to ongoing geopolitical developments in the Middle East.
The ship was expected to leave the Mother City weeks ago to rotate a team of South African scientists and support staff stationed on the remote sub-Antarctic island since April last year. Instead, the vessel remained docked while authorities waited for a shipment of rare polar-grade fuel to arrive.
“We are working closely with all relevant stakeholders to minimise the delay without compromising safety, so that the voyage can proceed as soon as operational requirements can be met. Every precaution is being taken to ensure our team returns safely.” said Willie Aucamp, Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.
Aucamp said, his department continues to monitor the situation closely and remains committed to ensuring the safe and uninterrupted operation of the Marion Island relief programme.
Unlike ordinary diesel, the fuel used for Antarctic and sub-Antarctic operations must be specially prepared to withstand extreme temperatures without freezing or crystallising at sea.
According to the DFFE, the ship only received the required fuel shipment on 1 May after weeks of supply difficulties affecting global fuel markets.
DFFE said the newly delivered supply is currently undergoing testing and blending before it can safely be loaded onto the vessel.
Once the process is completed, the ship is expected to depart Cape Town within days. The trip from Cape Town to Marion Island takes roughly five days across some of the roughest ocean conditions in the world.