An Ocean of Opportunities for Women – Celebrating Women in Maritime National Day 2025

As we mark Women in Maritime National Day 2025, we celebrate the increasing presence, leadership, and impact of women in South Africa’s polar and ocean research landscape—especially aboard the SA Agulhas II, our country’s premier polar research and supply vessel.

Women have become an integral part of the multidisciplinary teams that sail on the S.A. Agulhas II. From crew ensuring the ship’s safe and efficient operation, to researchers and postgraduate students driving innovation in engineering—our polar vessel is a vibrant space of opportunity for women in STEM and maritime careers.

These women are not only contributing to high-impact research, but they are also contributing shaping the future of polar and marine sciences. Their presence aboard the SA Agulhas II—whether deploying oceanographic instruments in the Southern Ocean or doing research on engineering of the S.A. Agulhas II —demonstrates a shared commitment to sustainable science and exploration.

As the Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, we honour these women and continue to document and celebrate their journeys as much as possible. They are charting new waters and opening doors for the next generation of women in science and maritime fields—truly navigating an ocean of opportunities.