Information
Comments
Ice trials are underway! The hunt for ice was successful and last night we parked ourselves in the fast ice near the Four Ladies Bank, 100nm from Davis. This morning, after an operational brief, we put a small team out onto the ice to test the thickness and collect a core sample to measure the flexural strength of the ice, confirming its suitability. We are currently undertaking the "straight ahead" test. Which as the name suggests, the ship is driven straight ahead in the fast ice, while the speed vs engine outputs are measured. Once the 2km track has been completed, teams will again venture onto the ice to check ice measurements to correlate against the engine data. A few curious seals and a huddle of penguins have come to supervise the testing. It's fair to say their interest was limited and before long they galumphed and waddled off in search of other entertainment.
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.