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Cape Town's proximity to Antarctica and the ready availablity of specialised goods and services is helping to establish the city as a "Gateway to Antarctica"
Cape Town's position as a gateway city is soon to be enhanced by the opening of an ice runway at the Norwegian research station, Troll. The runway is currently under construction, and when it opens in the summer of 2004/2005, it will revolutionise Antarctic travel. |
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At present, there is only one operational airstrip in Dronning Maudland, at the Russian base, Vostok. Flights from Cape Town are limited because bad weather conditions can make it impossible for an aircraft to land at Vostok. However, once the Norwegian runway is completed, aircraft traveling from Cape Town will have an alternative landing site, making air travel to and from Antarctica safe, convenient and reliable.
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Gateway to Antarctica
Young Scientists
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Regular flights between Cape Town and Dronning Maudland will make it feasible for personnel and light supplies to be landed in Antarctica. This is likely to entrench Cape Town's position as a gateway city and generate considerable economic benefits for the Western Cape. In addition to these benefits, South Africa's Antarctic supply ship, SA Agulhas, has the potential to work as a supply ship for other Antarctic nations. SA Agulhas is already chartered for this purpose by the German Antarctic Expedition.
With many more countries showing an interest in Antarctica, it is likely that more research stations will be established in the Antarctic in future. Dronning Maudland would be a logical choice for African, Asian and European nations, and Cape Town's position as a gateway city would be further enhanced.
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