The Australian Antarctic icebreaker Aurora Australis is stuck in heavy sea-ice off the frozen continent's coast.
The bright orange ship is about 180 nautical miles off Davis station attempting to head back to Hobart after a summer mission.
Satellite images show the Aurora surrounded by around 60 nautical miles of heavy sea-ice.
The 24 people on board are safe and well, Australian Antarctic Division (AAD) director Dr Tony Fleming said.
"The ship has enough supplies and fuel to last for some time with no risk of food or water running low," Dr Fleming said in a statement.
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The Aurora departed Hobart for its first voyage of the season in mid-October to resupply Davis and transport summer workers.
It was due back on November 16 but the stranding has forced the AAD to reschedule its summer program, combining missions to Macquarie Island and Casey station.
"While some projects, mainly those scheduled for Macquarie Island, will be affected by the changes, the impacts are expected to be minor," Dr Fleming said.
Mid-season support-crew changeovers are not expected to be affected.
"Weather and ice are part of working in the Antarctic environment and contingencies are built into all work programs to allow for transport or weather delays," Dr Fleming said.
"The Australian Antarctic flying program is continuing as planned allowing many projects not linked to sea transport to proceed as normal."
Environment minister Greg Hunt said he was being regularly updated.
