Antarctica: Takeover Season 2025–2026
From December 2025 to February 2026, the South African National Antarctic Programme (SANAP) embarks on its annual takeover voyage to relieve and resupply SANAE IV in Queen Maud Land, Antarctica. This critical mission ensures a seamless transition between overwintering and incoming teams, sustaining South Africa’s year-round scientific presence in Antarctica. More than a logistical operation, the voyage represents a coordinated national effort — uniting government officials, scientists, aviation specialists, maritime crew, engineers, and support teams — all working together in one of the most demanding environments on Earth.
At the core of the transition are the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) takeover personnel, who oversee inspections, infrastructure assessments, compliance requirements, and environmental protocols at SANAE IV. Their work ensures that power generation, life-support systems, communications, and safety procedures remain fully operational for the year ahead. Supporting the operation from sea to ice is the skilled helicopter team from Ultimate Heli, who transport people and cargo between the vessel and the base with precision in narrow Antarctic weather windows. (Photo: DFFE takeover personnel with Shiraan Watson -DCO)
The voyage south is safely guided by the Captain Roland Clutties and crew of the S.A. Agulhas II, whose expertise navigating the Southern Ocean and pack ice ensures the secure transport of passengers, fuel, equipment, and supplies. Onboard, the chefs and stewards keep teams energised with warm meals throughout the journey. Meanwhile, bulldozer operators and mechanics prepare for ice-shelf operations and CAT train traverses that will move bulk cargo inland to the station once the ship reaches the ice edge. (Photo, Captain with part of off duty crew and UJ reserach team)
L-R: Ultimate Heli Team, Bulldozers and drivers’ with SANAE Chefs, S.A. Agulhas II Chefs on board
Science continues throughout the voyage. Research teams conduct geology, oceanographic, biological, and environmental studies enroute and on Antarctica, collecting critical data on the continent and the Southern Ocean and their role in global climate systems. Specialists from the South African Weather Service gather atmospheric and ocean measurements that strengthen forecasting models and support operational safety for maritime and aviation activities. Together, these partnerships reflect the collaborative spirit that makes South Africa’s Antarctic programme possible — ensuring SANAE IV remains operational, sustainable, and ready for another year of discovery.
By early February 2026, the SANAP field campaign entered its final phase, completing measurements and preparing for extraction ahead of worsening weather.
Back l-r: Ndiphiwe Peza, Lungisa Qiniso Mkhosana Zungu, Akani Tshabalala,
Toko Mdleleni, Yanga Jonas, Samukelisiwe Mthembu, Anele Magobiyane
Front l-r: Lutho Mkhangazi, Nkhumeleni Oscar Radzhadzhi
Team Leader: Lungisa Qiniso Mkhosana Zungu
Deputy Team leader: Lutho Mkhangazi
Photo taken on S.A. Agulhas II in Cape Town Harbour 24 December 2025
Through mid- and late January, the team balanced demanding science with the realities of Antarctic fieldwork. GNSS stations positioned around major basal crevasses provided precise measurements of ice motion and fracture growth, helping assess the risk of large calving events. Complementary radar surveys quantified changes in ice thickness, supplying key inputs for ice-shelf flow models.
Monitoring Antarctic Ice Shelf Stability. Antarctic ice shelves play a critical role in controlling future sea-level rise.
