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Yesterday morning the Aiviq steadily made it's way into Horseshoe Harbour and positioned with the stern facing the fuel tanks at Mawson and it's bow facing toward Kista Strait. The Aiviq is a good vessel for refuelling operations as the stern is low to the water and with it operating on DP (dynamic positioning) it remains a steady platform to work from. Being in the harbour is amazing as you feel like you can reach out your hand and touch the station. It makes you feel part of the station.
263,000 litres of SAB (special Antarctic blend) diesel was pumped ashore after all briefings, leak tests and checklists were completed. Refuelling is a very complex operation that is strictly controlled to prevent any spillage or incidents. There are watercraft to tow the fuel hose between the ship and shore before taking up their post to monitor the fuel hose in the water. Teams are set up in various locations between the fuel farm and the ship each with a specific role to play. The Standard Operating Procedure and checklists are very detailed and go down to the level of colour coded valves to ensure that when the Refuelling Supervisor asks for a particular valve to be turned on or off it is easily identifiable.
Once pumping started there was a steady flow of fuel through the 2 inch hose under the watchful eyes of the Refuelling Supervisor, Voyage Leader and ship's crew on the bridge. Early evening the winds started to increase so we ended operations early. With all personnel at the mercy of the weather it became colder and the winds were heading towards our operating parameters. Earlier in the day the sun was out and the winds lower but it is still very cold outside at this time of year at Mawson (or anywhere in Antarctica). The safety of personnel is top priority.
Today we are stooging (sailing around) as the weather is not kind today. The upside is that our view is fantastic, icebergs, growlers and bergy bits.
Cheers
Leanne & Matt
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.