Delays in securing polar diesel for the SA Agulhas II have temporarily stalled South Africa’s relief mission to Marion Island, though officials say there is no immediate danger to the team stationed there.
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment confirmed that the departure of the SA Agulhas II icebreaking research and supply vessel had been postponed while fuel procurement and testing processes were completed.
The vessel was originally scheduled to depart from Cape Town in April to relieve the current over-wintering team stationed on the island since April 2025.
Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Willie Aucamp, said the department was working with stakeholders to minimise delays while ensuring the safety of all personnel involved.
“We are working closely with all relevant stakeholders to minimise the delay without compromising safety, so that the voyage can proceed as soon as operational requirements can be met,” he said.
Global fuel shortage hits relief voyage
According to the department, the delay was caused by difficulties in securing specialised Polar Diesel required for Antarctic and sub-Antarctic operations.
A shipment of diesel eventually arrived at a refinery in Cape Town on 1 May. The fuel is now undergoing a specialised blending and laboratory testing process to ensure it can withstand the extreme cold conditions encountered near Marion Island without crystallising or freezing.
Once the blending and testing process has been completed and laboratory confirmation has been received, fuel delivery to the SA Agulhas II is expected to begin within two days.
The vessel will depart immediately after refuelling is completed.
The department said it had also explored the possibility of sourcing the specialised fuel from coastal refineries in East London, Gqeberha and Durban, but supplies were unavailable.
No risk to team on island
Officials stressed there was currently no immediate danger to the 20-member over-wintering team stationed on Marion Island, approximately 1 920 kilometres southeast of Cape Town.
Existing reserves of Polar Diesel on the island are expected to remain sufficient until around 20 May in the absence of fuel-saving measures, while food supplies remain adequate for about another two months.
The department said contingency measures were also in place should further delays occur.
Emergency reserves remain available
Marion Island maintains emergency reserve fuel and food stocks, including backup petrol generators and nine fully stocked research huts situated across the island.
The remote volcanic island, measuring about 290 km², serves as an important environmental and meteorological research base for South Africa.
The current team stationed there includes technicians, meteorologists, bird researchers, seal researchers and a killer whale or orca specialist.
The SA Agulhas II voyage from Cape Town to Marion Island usually takes about five days.
The department said it continued to monitor the situation closely and remained committed to ensuring the safe and uninterrupted operation of the Marion Island relief programme.
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