Cape Town – The SA Agulhas II relief voyage to Marion Island has been delayed due to a fuel shortage linked to ongoing geopolitical developments in the Middle East.
Normally, about a fifth of the world’s oil and gas supplies flow through the Strait of Hormuz, but since the start of the US-Israeli strikes on Iran in late February, shipping has almost come to a standstill.
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment confirmed over the weekend that the departure of the SA Agulhas II relief voyage to Marion Island has been delayed.
The mission was initially scheduled to begin last month, but logistical constraints have forced a temporary halt until fuel supplies can be secured.
“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,” Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Minister Willie Aucamp said on Saturday, 9 May 2026.
“Every precaution is being taken to ensure our team returns safely.”
However, the department said following delays in securing the specialised Polar Diesel required for Antarctic and sub-Antarctic operations, it has now been secured after a shipment of diesel reached the refinery in Cape Town on 1 May 2026.
The department explained that a specialised blending process was required to mix Polar Diesel so that it would not crystallise or freeze in extremely cold weather conditions.
The mixing and testing of the product was underway, and fuel delivery to the vessel was expected to begin within two days of completion and laboratory confirmation that the Polar Diesel mix was correct.
The SA Agulhas II will depart immediately once refuelling is completed.
As a contingency, the department stated that it also investigated the availability of the product at other coastal refineries like East London, Port Elizabeth, and Durban; however, this was not available.
The department assured the public that there was no immediate risk to the Marion Island over-wintering team.
“Existing Polar Diesel reserves on the island remain sufficient until approximately 20 May 2026 in the absence of fuel-saving measures,” the department said.
“Food supplies across all categories remain adequate for approximately another two months.”
The current over-wintering team on Marion Island departed Cape Town in April 2025.
The department said as part of contingency planning, Marion Island maintains reserve fuel and food provisions, including backup petrol generators and nine stocked research huts across the island to support emergency requirements if necessary.
