Commemorating the Arrival of SA Agulhas II in Cape Town – A Symbol of Discovery and Stewardship
On 3rd May 2012, the SA Agulhas II arrived in Cape Town, South Africa, from the shipyards of Rauma, Finland—a milestone that marked the beginning of a new era for polar research and exploration under the South African National Antarctic Programme (SANAP). Purpose-built as a state-of-the-art polar supply and research vessel, the SA Agulhas II replaced its predecessor with enhanced capabilities to withstand the demanding Southern Ocean conditions and support South Africa’s strategic presence in Antarctica and the sub-Antarctic islands. The vessel’s arrival was not just the delivery of a ship; it was the arrival of a mobile scientific platform designed to unlock some of the planet’s most vital environmental data.
Over the past decade, the SA Agulhas II has become the backbone of SANAP, enabling vital logistical operations to Marion Island, Gough Island, and SANAE IV—the South African research base in Antarctica. Its sophisticated onboard laboratories and research facilities support multidisciplinary science, from oceanography and climatology to marine biology and glaciology. As a symbol of South Africa’s commitment to polar conservation and scientific excellence, the vessel also plays a critical role in monitoring climate change, protecting biodiversity, and facilitating international collaborations. The legacy that began on 3rd May in 2012 continues to sail forward—charting a course for discovery, resilience, and stewardship of Earth’s most fragile ecosystems.
Documentary on the S.A. Agulhas II
Arrival of S. A. Agulhas in Cape Town
MEDIA RELEASE on handover of S.A. Agulhas II