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Port of East London | 14 - 17 February 2025
12 FEBRUARY 2025
The SA Agulhas II arrives in East London after completing its Antarctic relief voyage.
14 FEBRUARY 2025: 09:00 - 14:30
This day will be dedicated to pre-registered learners from marine and maritime schools, primarily Grades 8 to 12. Approximately 1000 learners and 100 teachers are expected to attend. The program will feature:
SA AGULHAS II GUIDED TOURS: Guided tours of the vessel and interactive exhibitions showcasing marine science and conservation will run from 09:00 to 14h30:00.
EXHIBITOR SHOWCASE: A dedicated exhibition area with exhibitors representing a range of sectors within marine science and conservation. This will include interactive displays, hands-on activities, and demonstrations will focus on topics like marine ecosystems, climate change, pollution solutions, and sustainable technologies.
EDUCATIONAL TALKS: Throughout the day, experts from the DFFE and invited partners will deliver short, engaging talks on themes such as life aboard a polar research vessel, ocean threats and mitigation, marine careers, and the power of citizen science.
15 FEBRUARY 2025: 09:00 - 16:00
The open day will continue, with the vessel accessible to the public from 09:00 to 16:00. This day is open to the general public. However, please note due to the vessel's design, people with limited mobility will be unable to access the vessel's certain areas. Attendees are responsible for their own transportation, and the DFFE will not provide catering. Food stalls selling a variety of food options will be available.
A "FREE" ticketing system through Quicket has been implemented by the DFFE. Tickets are free of charge.
EXHIBITOR SHOWCASE: The same exhibitor showcase from Day 1 will be open to the public, offering educational displays, interactive activities, and information on marine science and conservation.
CONTINUOUS STAGE PRESENTATIONS: A dedicated stage hosting short, engaging presentations throughout the day featuring DFFE experts, scientists, and representatives from NGOs and research institutes. Topics will cover a variety of marine science themes.
INTERACTIVE ACTIVITIES: A selection of interactive activities for the public to participate in, encouraging engagement and learning about the ocean environment.
MEDIA BRIEFING: A media briefing will be conducted onboard, followed by the vessel’s departure from East London in the evening with key participants and members returning from the SANAE Antarctic expedition.
16 FEBRUARY 2025
While at sea, participants will attend presentations focusing on earth systems and the ocean’s role in climate mitigation. In the afternoon, the vessel will briefly pause to demonstrate scientific instrumentation and methods used to conduct oceanic analyses onboard.
17 FEBRUARY 2025
Policy-focused presentation addressing issues requiring political support, such as the ocean economy’s linkage to science or the integration of marine spatial planning within DFFE-led initiatives. SA Agulhas II will arrive in Cape Town by evening, where all participants will disembark at East Pier.
