Fremantle Port Call of the Icebreaker JS Shirase

December, 2016

Consulate-General of Japan in Perth

From November 27 to December 2, the Icebreaker JS Shirase visited Fremantle Port to refuel and restock food supplies in preparation for the journey to the Showa Research Station in Antarctica. On November 28, about 80 members of 58th Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition joined the crew for the onward journey. While in port, Captain Oga, and Expedition Leader Prof. Yoichi MOTOYOSHI, paid courtesy calls on the Mayor of Fremantle, and Commanding Officer of HMAS Stirling. On December 1, a reception was held on board the Shirase, attended by The Hon Michael Sutherland MLA, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of WA, Captain Brian Delamont, Commanding Officer, HMAS Stirling, and around 180 supporters of the WA-Japan friendship.

The JS Shirase departed Fremantle Port on December 2 for the Showa Research Station. The 29th of January 2017, will mark the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the Showa Research Station. We have high expectations of this research expedition for new discoveries to be made into both the past and future of our planet.

In March 2016, while on its previous voyage, the JS Shirase was able to offer assistance to the 66 expeditioners isolated at Mawson Station, picking them up and transferring them to Casey Station, following the grounding of the Australian Icebreaker Aurora Australis.