The SA Agulhas IIs relief voyage to Marion Island had been delayed due to a shortage of specialised polar diesel required for sub-Antarctic operations, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment said on Sunday.
The delay was due to the global scarcity of fuel products linked to ongoing conflict in the Middle East, the DFFE said.
The vessel was originally scheduled to depart in April but its journey was postponed due to delays in securing the specialised fuel. The fuel has since been secured after a shipment reached the refinery in Cape Town on May 1.
