South Africa’s new polar research and supply ship, the SA Agulhas II, arrived at its homeport of Cape Town on 3 May 2012.
“The arrival ceremony of the SA Agulhas II completes a journey our government started back in 2005 when the decision to acquire a new polar ship was taken. The SA Agulhas II provides South Africa with a golden opportunity to address important issues facing us. These include protection of our population and property from extreme weather events, such as increasing frequency and severity of storms, and climate impacts on biodiversity. The ship will enable us to go to Antarctica and the Southern Ocean to conduct oceanography and biodiversity work…We will use our endeavours in the Southern ocean in order to contribute to the fortunes of the continent,” – Edna Molewa, Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs.
“SA Agulhas II was designed from scratch as a sophisticated scientific platform. She will not only take over the logistic responsibilities of the old ship, but she will also do scientific research because she has all the scientific equipment to so that. This ship is particularly well equipped to do climate change research. The big advantage is the Southern Ocean is on our doorstep. The Southern Ocean is key to understanding the climate change processes.” – Henry Valentine, Director: Antarctic and Islands at the Department of Environmental Affairs
Documentary on the S.A. Agulhas II
Arrival of S. A. Agulhas in Cape Town
MEDIA RELEASE on handover of S.A. Agulhas II
Cover Image Ken Findley
