The RSV Nuyina has successfully completed a significant resupply mission to the Davis Research Station, delivering approximately 500 tonnes of essential cargo after navigating through challenging icy waters. The vessel arrived at the edge of fast ice on October 31, 2025, demonstrating its robust icebreaking capabilities by slicing through ice that reaches up to 1.6 meters in thickness.
As the ship approached Davis, it traversed an area known as “iceberg alley,” surrounded by towering ice formations, some smooth and others jagged, showcasing shades of pale blue and aqua. The Nuyina anchored about one kilometre from the research station, allowing crew members to step directly onto the frozen landscape. This striking sight of a large ship seemingly locked in ice marked the beginning of an extensive resupply operation.
Resupply Operations Underway
The resupply effort will last just over a week, with the aim of providing the research station with necessary provisions for the year ahead. Cargo is being unloaded using cranes that lift containers from the ship’s hold and place them onto trucks bound for the station. Among the vital supplies are 12,600 eggs, 500 kilograms of bacon, and 600 kilograms of cheese, alongside 140,000 litres of water and around 800,000 litres of fuel.
In just one day, expeditioners managed to unpack a tonne of meat and 10 tonnes of flour, highlighting the scale of the operation. The team, comprising both crew members and researchers, engaged in various tasks to facilitate the resupply. Those without specific project work assisted with unloading or helped transfer diesel from the ship to the station.
Research Activities and Wildlife Encounters
While the resupply took priority, several project groups utilized this time for research activities. One team drilled a hole in the ice to deploy a remote underwater vehicle, aiming to study marine life on the seafloor. Another group gathered data on sea level rise from a tide gauge located near the station. Wildlife ecologists also took the opportunity to visit Gardener and Warriner Islands to assess local penguin populations.
As the operation proceeded, some expeditioners volunteered for kitchen duties or helped with unpacking containers. The lighthearted atmosphere extended to an early celebration of Halloween, featuring a dress-up quiz where a jellyfish costume took home the prize.
Curious Adelie penguins frequently approached the Nuyina, while elegant emperor penguins made an appearance, seemingly unperturbed by the presence of the ship.
This successful resupply mission not only ensures that Davis Research Station is equipped for the upcoming year but also highlights the collaborative spirit of the expedition team, navigating the challenges of the Antarctic environment with both diligence and good humour.
