New R1.3bn Agulhas II in ship-hull research

Previously, researchers used the SA Agulhas II, the latest-technology icebreaking ship being built by STX Finland, as a model in a full-scale trial at Aker Arctic Technology, an ice model testing facility, in Helsinki, in January.

Both a research vessel and an icebreaking ship and well on its way to completion, the SA Agulhas II is scheduled to arrive in Cape Town in April. It is to be a tanker, cargo carrier, passenger ship, research vessel, helicopter carrier and icebreaker. Built to replace the aging SA Agulhas at a cost of R1.3-billion, the SA Agulhas II is currently undergoing testing in Finland and will, on completion, facilitate key scientific and climate change research by transporting scientist and maintenance crews to the South African National Antarctic Expedition base, in the Antarctic, as well as ferrying personnel to South Africa's bases on Marion and Gough islands.

The new €2.5-million research study on the hulls of icebreaker ships like SA Agulhas II includes not only South Africa's Stellenbosch University and DEA, but also STX Finland, Aker Arctic Technology and the universities of Oulu and Aalto. Research in this field is rare, says Aalto University Finland Marine and Traffic Safety Professor Pentti Kujala, as "we have not had a ship like the SA Agulhas II in Finland for a long time". The aim of the programme is to improve the scientific basis for the design of ice-going ships, including factors such as the ship hull, propulsion, power requirement, comfort for the passengers and crew onboard and safe navigation in ice. "This is a great opportunity for South Africa and Finland to network and exchange information. We are getting older and need to start the education of the next generation of Polar ship expertise," says Kujala.

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