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Refuelling has begun! During a busy morning, the fuel line was set up and the hose tested and we began pumping fuel ashore at the rate of 32,000 Ltrs per hour. The whole evolution went very smoothly, taking a little over three hours. Assuming no interruptions we should pump just under 900,000 litres of Special Antarctic Blend (SAB) ashore by mid morning tomorrow. SAB is normal automotive diesel distillate with a kerosene based additive which acts as an anti-freeze in the sub zero Antarctic temperature.
Today was a slow day cargo wise, however we have begun backloading Return to Australia (RTA) cargo and have taken many of the awkward and short loads onboard. Tomorrow will be a very busy day with the Aurora Australis II workboat being launched to tow the uniflote sections which we will use as a second barge. Later in the day it will be used to transfer a large Challenger Tractor ashore. Tomorrow is also station handover day, with the incoming winter team assuming responsibility for and ownership of the station for the next 12 months.
The weather is very good, meaning that although it is cold, working conditions are quite comfortable and safe.
Until tomorrow,
Regards Chris, Leanne, and the V2 Team
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.