RV Investigator is tied alongside at the Fremantle Port this week, getting ready to depart on its next research voyage, to Australia’s remote sub-Antarctic territory of Heard and McDonald Islands, which will have the team at sea for 58 days.

There’s lots to load on board – everything from legs of lamb and chocolate biscuits, through to toilet paper, laundry detergent and fuel.

Over the next few days scientists from around Australia and overseas will start arriving in preparation for the ship’s departure on 8 January.