Information
Comments
Last night, after reviewing the weather forecast, the Voyage Leader in conjunction with the Head of the Refuelling Rats came up with a most cunning plan. A plan that would maximise the use of the weather window ahead. The plan to maximise the weather, meant the fuel line would not need to be left in the water, and provided two windows for the heavy lift of the front end loader (known as the Gold Digger) to be discharged.
This morning the teams on the shore and on the ship waited for the winds to drop. By early afternoon the wind had eased to within operating parameters and the green light was given to commence the discharge of the Gold Digger. Team Barge manoeuvred into position where the barge was secured before they got off into a small boat. The 50 tonne starboard crane lowered the loader, under the guidance of the deck crew, onto the marked positions on the deck of the barge. The barge crew, satisfied with the heel and list, then got back on, the lines were released and the barge then moved away from the ship and headed towards shore escorted by two small boats.
Currently the barge and the loader are sitting at the Davis wharf waiting for the ramps to be secured for the Gold Digger to drive off to its new home. Tomorrow an early start is on the cards with the cunning plan to deploy the 4 inch lay flat hose from the shore to the ship at first light, before the refuelling rats do what they do best ... deliver fuel. As they have been heard to say; "We have fuel, you don't. Any questions?"
REGARDS: Andy, Jenn and Lauren
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.