The Bob Barker and Sam Simon had repeatedly forced their way between the Nisshin Maru whaling factory ship and the supply tanker, causing cheers by some of the crew on board the Sun Laurel.

[11][12] The official report of the 54th Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition claims that articles by the Sydney Morning Herald and Australian Broadcasting Corporation were incorrect because they were based on misinformation from Sea Shepherd.

[13] The Japanese consulate-general in Sydney released an official letter clarifying that there were no connection between Japan's Arctic research expeditions and the country's whaling program.

[14] The Japanese Government subsequently confirmed that the vessel was not involved in any operation related to the whaling program,[15] and that Sea Shepherd's claims were "completely fake".

[16] In the subsequent hunting seasons, the Sun Laurel has refuelled the Japanese whaling fleet while in the Southern Hemisphere, although the Sea Shepherd organization and Rear Adm Goldrick from Australia[17] argue that it is illegal to bring and transfer a cargo of heavy fuel into the protected waters of Antarctica, especially by a non-ice-classed ship.