PROTECTOR - Further South Than Ever – The Ice Patrol Ship PROTECTOR sailed further south than ever before as the ship delivered vital supplies to polar scientists to the Rothera Station, a research base – 800 miles south of Cape Horn – the largest of the British Antarctic Survey’s establishments and the centre of its research effort on the frozen continent.   Rothera is also the British Antarctic Survey’s air base in the Antarctic.      PROTECTOR was able to deliver aviation fuel – always a potentially hazardous task - the ship had to pump 168 cubic metres of fuel ashore at a rate of 15 cubic metres an hour – that’s 15,000 litres / 3,300 gallons every 60 minutes – all done in temperatures of -15˚C.  The PROTECTOR was rolling heavily during the fuel transfer whilst alongside the jetty in the heavy swell.    The swell on the ocean was so heavy that the ship rolled seven degrees to port and starboard – enough to keep the ship’s company in watches in case there was an emergency.

The opportunity was taken for two dozen of the crew of the PROTECTOR took part in a ‘winter Olympics’ with a British Antarctic Survey team – and promptly beat the scientists and support staff on their own ‘turf’.    The event, the highlight of which was the cross country ski race, was played out against the stunning backdrop of the Adelaide mountains.     Royal Marines Commandos embarked were able to explore the stunning natural beauty of Adelaide Island (twelve times the size of the Isle of Wight) using their BV206 all terrain tracked vehicles which were craned ashore.   Next stop for the PROTECTOR will be the American Palmer Station at Arthur Harbour.  The patrol continues.