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After some discussion and having considered a range of options we have
decided to stay at this location for the time being rather than continue
breaking ice.
Yesterday we flew 23 loads from the ship. There are an estimated 100
more to go, depending on what we find inside the shipping containers as
we open them.
We're using two Eurocopter AS350BA (Squirrel) helicopters and a Sikorsky
S76. The squirrels can carry up to 600kg of cargo and the S76 1000kg.
The cargo is either a sling load hanging under the helicopter on a 20m
line or loaded internally. To make the operation as efficient as
possible we load the sling back inside the helicopter for the return leg
which allows the aircraft to fly a greater speed.
To speed up the operation further we are in the process of marking out
and testing a fast ice landing pad a short distance from the bow of the
ship. The intention is to drop a shipping container of cargo onto the
ice and then load it directly into a waiting helicopter only a few
meters away.
We are steadily cycling through the round trip passengers who have a
requirement to go ashore with passenger transfers at the start and
finish of each day.
Cheers
Andy, Margaret and Kate.
Map
A map showing Australia and Antarctica. The map shows the journey of one voyage that has occured in the season, with each route highlighted in a distinct colour.