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Another great day today. 316,000 litres of SAB (special Antarctic blend) was pumped ashore yesterday before the wind increases beyond our operating limits. It was also getting very cold outside around -8 degrees. This is pretty uncomfortable when monitoring a fuel line and the wind chill factor makes it much colder. The refuelling was completed this morning with a total of 400,000 litres pumped ashore – all the tanks are full and the station is sufficiently stocked for the next 3 years. The fuel hose is still connected to the ship and has been pigged ready for pack up this afternoon. The pig is put through the hose to push all the fuel from the hose into the tank on station. It is then safe to roll up the hose and return it to the ship.
Cargo operations have been moving nicely this morning. The tween deck (like the middle cargo deck) is empty (other than the crane) and the pontoon has been removed from one of the lower holds ready for cargo to be discharged. After lunch it is planned to discharge a Grove crane from the ship. This is a complex operation with much planning including stability calculations and where it should be positioned on the barge for safe transport, how it will be lifted from the ship to the barge and how the crane will get off the barge once it reaches shore. Prior to any activity tool box meetings are held on board and ashore to ensure everyone is on the same page and know what their roles and responsibilities are. It is not just a case of 'plonking' it on the barge.
It is quiet on the bridge of the ship where I am writing the sitrep. Everyone is at lunch so it is a little bit of peace from the activities of the day.
Cheers
Leanne, Simon and Amy
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.