World Maritime Day 2025: Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity

World Maritime Day 2025: Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity

On 25 September 2025, the world comes together to mark World Maritime Day under the theme “Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity.” This theme reflects the ocean’s critical role in our climate system, biodiversity, and economy, while reminding us of the shared responsibility to protect and sustainably use this vast and fragile resource. With over 80% of global trade moving by sea, maritime activity is inseparable from the health of our ocean and the future of our planet.

For the South African National Antarctic Programme (SANAP), this year’s theme resonates deeply. As custodians of South Africa’s polar research efforts, SANAP rely on our dedicated polar research and supply vessel, the SA Agulhas II, to undertake vital voyages into the Southern Ocean, Antarctica and Marion and Gough Islands. These expeditions not only sustain South Africa’s research stations but also contribute to global science on ocean health, climate change, and biodiversity in one of the world’s most important yet vulnerable regions.

Through SANAP’s work, South Africa plays an active role in the international maritime and research community—advancing knowledge about ocean systems, contributing to global climate models, and strengthening collective efforts to safeguard marine environments. The SA Agulhas II is more than just a ship; it is a floating laboratory, a logistical lifeline, and a symbol of our commitment to “Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity.”

As the world lights up landmarks in blue to celebrate World Maritime Day, SANAP stands proudly alongside the global maritime community in reaffirming our responsibility: to study, protect, and share the opportunities of our ocean for generations to come.

SEAmester VIII – South Africa’s “Class Afloat”

SEAmester VIII – South Africa’s “Class Afloat”

South Africa’s pioneering floating university, SEAmester – Class Afloat, is preparing for its eighth voyage aboard the S.A. Agulhas II, setting sail from Cape Town on 17 June 2025 and returning on 27 June 2025. This unique and dynamic marine science programme continues to connect theoretical classroom learning with applied research, all within the working environment of a world-class research vessel.

The voyage is led by Principal Investigator Prof Isabelle Ansorge (left) from the University of Cape Town, whose leadership has been instrumental in shaping SEAmester into one of the most impactful marine science initiatives in South Africa. The logistical and academic coordination of the voyage is managed by Tahlia Henry, whose dedication ensures a seamless blend of teaching, research, and exploration at sea.

This year’s expedition will host an impressive cohort of 47 students, 28 lecturers, and 23 scientists, creating a vibrant and multidisciplinary learning environment. Participants will engage in intensive lectures, practical ship-based experiments, and collaborative research projects across physical oceanography, marine biology, climate science, and data analysis.

Onboard the S.A. Agulhas II, students gain unparalleled exposure to real-time scientific operations—from deploying oceanographic instruments to analysing marine samples—while interacting closely with leading researchers and industry professionals. SEAmester continues to foster the next generation of marine and climate scientists, equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and networks to contribute to South Africa’s blue economy and global ocean science.

SEAmester VIII journey—where science meets the sea, and the classroom knows no bounds.

Announcing the S.A. Agulhas II Voyage Schedule for 2025/2026

Announcing the S.A. Agulhas II Voyage Schedule for 2025/2026

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment is pleased to announce the upcoming voyage schedule for the S.A. Agulhas II for the 2025/2026 season. This state-of-the-art polar research and supply vessel will continue its vital role in supporting South Africa’s research stations in Antarctica and the sub-Antarctic islands. Below is the planned itinerary provided by the Department of Forestry Fisheries and the Environment:

DOWNLOAD PDF Voyage Schedule 2025-2026

DOWNLOAD PDF Voyage Schedule 2026 – 2027

Please note that these dates are subject to change based on operational requirements and weather conditions. For the most up-to-date information, please refer to the official voyage schedule on the South African National Antarctic Programme (SANAP) website.
SANAP
We look forward to another successful season of exploration and research, furthering our understanding of these remote and vital regions.

 

S.A. Agulhas II sets sail for Antarctica

S.A. Agulhas II sets sail for Antarctica

Every year, the South African vessel, the SA Agulhas II, embarks on a journey to Antarctica, marking the beginning of its annual research and supply voyage. This critical mission is not only a symbol of South Africa’s dedication to scientific research but also a lifeline for the overwintering team, personnel rotations, and vital logistical support for stations on the frozen continent. On the 15th of December, the SA Agulhas II departed from Cape Town, South Africa, bound for Antarctica. This voyage marks the commencement of a multifaceted operation, which encompasses research, supply deliveries, and personnel exchanges between Antarctica and the rest of the world. Left: Shiraan Watson DCO of DFFE 
The SA Agulhas II plays a pivotal role in supporting research and exploration in one of the most extreme and least understood environments on Earth. South Africa’s station in Antarctica, SANAE IV Station, rely on the vessel’s annual voyages for everything from scientific supplies to food, equipment, and fuel. The vessel also delivers critical scientific personnel, scientists, and engineers who are essential for conducting experiments, research, and environmental monitoring on the frozen continent.
This year, the SA Agulhas II will carry a group of researchers to continue studies on climate change, marine biology, and glaciology, among other fields. Another essential aspect of this annual journey is the personnel exchange that occurs as part of the overwintering team rotation. The team that has spent the harsh winter months at the research stations in Antarctica will return home, while a new team will take their place for the upcoming year.
Above: SANAE64 Overwintering Team with DFFE Takeover Personnel.

The overwintering teams are a group of exceptional individuals who endure the Antarctic winter—a period marked by freezing temperatures, months of darkness, and isolation. They are responsible for maintaining research stations, conducting experiments, and ensuring that the infrastructure is operational during the harshest months. The rotation ensures that the same team does not endure multiple seasons of isolation and provides an opportunity for fresh perspectives and new expertise.
The SA Agulhas II is not just a research vessel—it’s a symbol of South Africa’s commitment to the exploration of one of the most remote places on Earth. The vessel’s crew is tasked with navigating the seas and icy waters that surround Antarctica, with the ship braving some of the world’s roughest weather and icy waters. The crew ensures the vessel stays operational throughout the voyage, providing safety and support to everyone on board. This year, as always, the vessel crew will work tirelessly to ensure that all operations go smoothly. They will transport cargo, assist scientists with their research, and ensure the safe arrival and departure of personnel.
We wish the SA Agulhas II, its crew, the overwintering team, and all personnel embarking on this important voyage a safe and successful journey to the frozen south.

Celebrating Youth Day!

Celebrating Youth Day!

Celebrating Youth Day today – Highlighting the school learners that attended the S.A. Agulhas II Open Day in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape.

The Open Day was hosted by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment of the S.A. Agulhas II at the Port of Port Elizabeth on 16 May and on the 17 May 2024, 1000 learners from 40 schools around the Metro were hosted.

In addition to exploring the SA Agulhas II, visitors on both days were able to engage with a diverse range of exhibits and interactive displays at an expo organised by DEFF and its partners. The expo showcased the vital work being done in marine research, conservation, and environmental stewardship.

We are thrilled with the overwhelming response by the residents of Gqeberha to the SA Agulhas II Open Day in Gqeberha,” said Minister Barbara Creecy. “This event provided a fantastic platform for the public to learn about the important research conducted aboard the SA Agulhas II and the critical role it plays as a supply vessel to the three research bases in Antarctica, Marion and Gough Islands in the Southern Ocean.” Full media release click here

School Images: Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment

SA Agulhas II Open Day – Port of Port Elizabeth – 18 May 2024

SA Agulhas II Open Day – Port of Port Elizabeth – 18 May 2024

The Department of Forestry Fisheries and the Environment invites you to bring your entire family to come and experience a fun-filled day at the SA Agulhas II Open Day:

Date: 18 May 2024
Venue: Campanile Jetty, Port of Port Elizabeth/Gqeberha 
Open 09h00 – Close 15h00

You and your family will have the unique opportunity of taking a tour of the S.A.Agulhas II research vessel. We also have our partners from the marine and maritime industry who will showcase their environmental work and scientific work.

DOWNLOAD your Ticket Here: From www.quicket.co.za

 

TEL: +27 (0)21 405 9400
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