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Yesterday saw the successful transfer of approximately 171,000L of special antarctic blend (SAB) fuel into Macquarie Island. This will ensure the station can continue to support operations and projects for another 12 months.
Station refuelling requires floating a special fuel hose from the bow of the Aurora Australis over the water to the fuel farm at Macquarie Station. The transfer of this fuel is a major milestone for the voyage, as it ticks off a primary objective for the Macquarie Island resupply.
Special thanks to all those involved in the operation, with refuel teams working both on station and aboard the ship, as well as personnel operating the watercraft to ensure the operation ran smoothly.
Today we have recommenced cargo operations, loads will predominately be cage pallets stored in the ships forward 'tween' deck. We have also begun back loading 'return to Australia' (RTA) cargo. As this resupply does not have helicopters, all cargo transfers are being completed by amphibious vehicles known as Light Amphibious Resupply Cargo LARC's.
This involves driving them through the surf at Landing Beach, before being unloaded at station. The plan is to continue this operation throughout the day, pending weather changes or excessive swell heights at the beach.
Project work continues on station, including the decommissioning of a number of scientific project equipment as projects complete their duration on Macquarie Island. Elsewhere, station maintenance projects continue,including communications mast repairs at Wireless Hill and shore based water sampling either side of the isthmus. We are also expecting the return of a field team late this afternoon.
Cheers
Andy, Justin and Aron
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.