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The refuelling operation is going well with just over half a million litres of fuel ashore, almost halfway there.
The operation involves laying 1.6km of hose across the 1.3km from the anchorage in the middle of Newcomb Bay to the shore point below the lower fuel farm. The hose is attached at the shore point and then rolled off a drum inside a 10 foot shipping container on the jet barge as it makes its way to the ship. Anchors and floats hold the line in place to keep it off the rocks. Three Inflatable Rubber boats (IRB's) set the anchor and position the hose. Once fuel is flowing they keep brash and smaller ice bergs and floes away from the hose.
the whole operation takes around 45 hours to complete with about 36 hours to pump the 1.1 million litres of fuel ashore. Around 55 expeditioners are required to fill the various rosters with most people working 4 hours on and 8 hours off, around the clock.
We hope to finish pumping tomorrow morning and recommence cargo. The Chief Mate and Deputy Voyage Leader, who together coordinate the cargo planning and movements, are heading ashore to check over the Return To Australia (RTA) cargo this afternoon.
Cheers
Andy and Mike
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.