The SA Agulhas II will be embarking on a 26 day shakedown cruise to the edge of the ice shelf in Antarctica on the 9th of July. She will sail back to the Mother City on the 6th of August.
A group of marine scientists from the Department of Environmental Affairs, South African Weather Service, University of Cape Town, The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, University of Stellenbosch and Rhodes University will be taking part in the trip.
The purpose of the shakedown cruise will be to test all ship systems under full operational conditions and also to train researchers. A wide variety of vertical and towed probes, nets and underwater photographic equipment will be deployed and their associated onboard processing systems will be fully tested.
An important objective will be to enter the winter pack ice (a floating mass of compacted ice fragments) and to test the ship's propulsion systems under Antarctic conditions. All previous ice tests were carried out in the Baltic Sea, where the density of the ice is different compared to the Antarctic. This will be very useful in obtaining a "first feel" of the ice prior to the year-end Sanae Relief Voyage in December.
It will also allow the ship's personnel, some of which have only recently joined the ship, to undergo full operational training.
Apart from testing equipment, the shakedown cruise also includes a multi-disciplinary program to measure both oceanographic and biological parameters that characterise the state of the Southern Ocean in the region of interest to South Africa.
The marine scientists also aim to increase their understanding with regards to the influences of oceanographic conditions and topography on hunting by top predators breeding at Prince Edward Islands.
On its way back, it will stop in PE for two Open Days on the 3rd and 4th of August 2012. The Open Days will give the public the opportunity to explore and learn more about the SA Agulhas II and its scientific capabilities.
Date: 9 July 2012.
Arrival time: 10am
Vessel departure time: 12pm
Venue: East Pier Shed, East Pier Road, V&A Waterfront.
Please RSVP at: Bhlatshwayo@enviroment.gov.za by latest Friday morning.
For media queries contact:
Zolile Nqayi
Tel: 0218192423
Cell: 082 898 6483
