The SA Agulhas II’s relief voyage to Marion Island had been delayed due to a shortage of specialised polar diesel required for sub-Antarctic operations, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment said on Sunday.
The delay was due to the global scarcity of fuel products linked to ongoing conflict in the Middle East, the DFFE said.
The vessel was originally scheduled to depart in April but its journey was postponed due to delays in securing the specialised fuel. The fuel has since been secured after a shipment reached the refinery in Cape Town on May 1.
However, a specialised blending process was required to ensure the fuel could operate in extreme cold without crystallising or freezing, the DFFE said.
“The mixing and testing of the product is under way and fuel delivery to the vessel is expected to commence within two days of completion and laboratory confirmation that the polar diesel mix is correct.
“The SA Agulhas II will depart immediately once refuelling is completed. As contingency, the department also investigated the availability of the product at other coastal refineries like East London, Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha) and Durban, however this was not available.”
The department said it was working with stakeholders to minimise the delay without compromising safety and that there was currently no immediate risk to the Marion Island over-wintering team. “Existing polar diesel reserves on the island remain sufficient until approximately May 20 in the absence of fuel-saving measures. Food supplies across all categories remain adequate for approximately another two months.”
