EXPLORE THE
S.A. AGULHAS II
HOW THE 3D TOUR WORKS
Views: This function is located in the top, left-hand corner. Select from the dropdown and click the flag to instantly jump to that area.
Highlights: Found in the bottom, left-hand. Highlights are short, guided slides with key area descriptions.
Tags: These are spread throughout the ship and serve to provide extra details, images and videos – or to indicate an entrance that might not be obvious.
DECK DESCRIPTIONS
DECKS 1 & 2 – Engine Rooms
Two independent engine rooms house the ship’s diesel‑electric propulsion system. This setup provides both power and redundancy, ensuring the vessel can continue operating even if one compartment is compromised during marine and polar expeditions.
DECK 3 – Scientific Facilities & Poop Deck
This deck hosts the vessel’s laboratories for biology, chemistry, and geology, as well as the moon pool for deploying research instruments through the hull, and the environmental hangar door used for the deployment and recovery of scientific equipment directly overboard. The aft poop deck offers open working space for oceanographic operations.
DECK 4 – Passenger Services & Recreation
This deck contains the dining saloon, an auditorium for briefings and presentations, a business centre, gym, sauna, and laundry facilities. It’s the hub for passenger activity and comfort.
DECK 5 – Support & Amenities
Home to the baggage store, hospital (sick bay), library, helicopter briefing room, and a small tuck shop. This deck also includes four‑berth cabins and supports both daily life and operational needs.
DECKS 6 & 7 – Passenger Accommodation
These decks provide living spaces for passengers, with single‑, two‑ , and four-berth cabins, lounges, and small kitchenettes. They are the primary residential areas for passengers during voyages.
DECK 8 – Officers’ Quarters
The captain and senior officers have private cabins here, separated from the main passenger areas for privacy and operational readiness.
DECK 9 – Bridge
The wheelhouse and navigation centre of the vessel, offering panoramic views for safe navigation. This is the operational heart of the ship.
DECK 10 – Upper Viewing Deck
An open observation deck with a partially sheltered cubicle “the monkey island”, ideal for viewing polar landscapes, ice, waves, and wildlife during voyages.
ABOUT THE VESSEL
The S.A. Agulhas II is a South African icebreaking polar supply and research ship managed and administered by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE).
The vessel was built in 2012 by STX Finland in Rauma, Finland, to replace the aging S.A. Agulhas, which was retired from SANAP duty. Unlike her predecessor, the S.A. Agulhas II was designed from the beginning to carry out both scientific research and resupply expeditions to the South African research stations in Antarctica and sub-Antarctic islands.
For more info about specifications, voyage schedules, etc., please see the SANAP website.
The large infrastructures, including the S.A. Agulhas II, are managed and administered by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE).
FOR MORE INFORMATION
If you are interested in learning more about the S.A. Agulhas II or would like more information than what is provided here, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Anne Treasure
