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SA AGULHAS II

The South African polar research and supply vessel was officially launched and named (SA Agulhas II) on Thursday, 21 July 2011, in Rauma, Finland. The SA Agulhas II is dedicated to the memory of Miriam Makeba.

The vessel took over from the SA Agulhas as South Africa's new Antarctic research and supply vessel. For South Africa this represents a major investment and signals the department' commitment and intent in contributing to the understanding of the Earth as a functioning, integrated unit.

The department recognises that with the oceans covering more than 70% of the planet's surface, understanding the oceans is key to understanding the earth. For similar reasons South Africa remains committed to its research and management of the South African Sub-Antarctic Island Territories of Prince Edward and Marion Islands; and to ongoing work on the South African base on Antarctica. Understanding the functioning of the Earth System cannot exclude the oceans, and the southern oceans and Antarctica provide an ideal environment to focus on the natural dynamics of earth, ocean, atmosphere and space. For South Africa, the agenda for investing and understanding the Southern Oceans, Antarctica and the earth system begins with contributing to the wellbeing, livelihoods and security of South Africans and our neighbours in the region.

South Africa lies between the Indian and Atlantic Oceans and is under the influence from the southern oceans around Antarctica. Its trade links, historically and presently, are overwhelming accessed through the oceans. Our agricultural wealth is maintained through our weather and climate, which are influenced very significantly by ocean processes on either side and below the country. For South Africa environmental management and forecasting cannot occur within our terrestrial and oceanic borders only.

This polar ship therefore supports and undertakes research to understand natural processes, measure human and pollution impact and document biodiversity. The aim of these endeavours is to describe the present condition of the environment and contribute to forecasting possible future conditions of the environment. This information is critical to optimise the planning for the conservation and wise use of the ocean but is also required to determine the natural threats that may arise from the ocean or weather through climate change.

With such exacting objectives the department conceptualised a ship that must be far more than a research and supply vessel. It had to ferry a large number of passengers, food, supplies, vehicles and helicopters, and flammable fuels. Our ship also had to have significant research capacity which must be flexible enough to accommodate varying research needs in the harshest of ocean conditions. Significantly, the ship meets the International Maritime Organisations' Safe Return to Port requirements.

This requirement was introduced with the SOLAS 2009 Rules for Passenger Ships and became mandatory for all ships built after July 2010. The purpose of the legislation was to ensure maximum safety for passengers in the event of fire or flooding. One of the basic principles is that the ship is its best life boat and that every precaution should be taken to maintain the integrity of the structure until such time as the vessel can reach a safe port.

MAIN FUNCTIONS OF THE SHIP

The ship is designed as a multipurpose, logistic support and research vessel.  Its logistic commitments include the servicing of the three bases, namely SANAE on the Antarctic mainland and the bases on Marion and Gough Islands.

The SANAE RELIEF  voyage takes place between December and March each year and, currently, this takes approximately 75 days.  This involves ferrying all the overwintering supplies for the Base as well as transporting the overwintering team and Base maintenance personnel. Because of its increased power and ice navigation capabilities, the new vessel will be able to leave earlier in the season and return later, thus providing a wider window for research operations.

The MARION RELIEF follows a similar pattern and takes place in April each year.  Voyage duration is usually about six weeks, depending on whether any oceanographic research is carried out.

The GOUGH ISLAND RELIEF takes place in the Spring months and includes the ferrying of passengers to Tristan da Cunha under an agreement with the British Government. Again voyage duration is approximately six weeks.

AREA OF OPERATION

There are eight dedicated laboratories and in addition, there are six container berths on the aft deck. The containerised laboratories will be purpose built to serve specialised research needs. Each container will be provided with all the ship's infrastructure, inter alia, water, power, data connection, fire detection and alarm systems.

The above research facilities will allow for extensive, deepwater oceanographic and geological research voyages.  They will also facilitate the rebuilding of South Africa's deepwater oceanographic capabilities and will result in a high degree of international participation in research cruises. The ship has been designed to be at sea for up to 300 days per year, 180 days for logistic support and 120 days for dedicated research cruises.