Fuel shortages impact voyage to relieve Marion Island researchers

SA Agulhas II relief voyage delayed

SOUTH AFRICA: Originally scheduled to depart last month, the SA Agulhas II is still awaiting the availability of polar diesel and will only undertake the relief voyage to Marion Island once diesel, which arrived at the beginning of May, has been blended as required for polar operations.

Acknowledging the delay today, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) confirmed that the global scarcity of fuel products linked to ongoing geopolitical developments in the Middle East had resulted in a product shortage locally.

“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,” said Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Willie Aucamp. “Every precaution is being taken to ensure our team returns safely.”

Now that the shipment of diesel has reached the refinery in Cape Town, it will undergo a specialised blending process to ensure that the fuel does not crystalise or freeze in extremely cold weather conditions.

The mixing and testing of the product is underway and the DFFE has confirmed that 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 and Durban, however this was not available.

The Department has also assured the public that the over-wintering team, which has been on Marian Island since April 2025, faces no immediate risk and has polar diesel reserves that will last until 20 May in the absence of fuel-saving measures. In addition, food supplies across all categories remain adequate for approximately another two months.

As part of contingency planning, Marion Island maintains reserve fuel and food provisions, including backup petrol generators and nine stocked research huts across the island to support emergency requirements if necessary.