“Unexpected issue” puts $500m research vessel on ice

The RSV Nuyina has been in service for less than eight months but an unexpected issue has left it out of action for the rest of the season. DETAILS>>

The RSV Nuyina will likely be out of action for the rest of the season after an unexpected problem which will affect its scheduled resupply missions.

The $500m vessel has been in service for less than eight months is currently in Singapore for maintenance.

Arrival of the RSV Nuyina into Hobart. Picture: AAD

Australian Antarctic Division director Kim Ellis said the vessel arrived in Singapore in April and was set to return to Hobart in October.

“While work has been progressing well on the clutches, an unexpected issue was discovered in the large couplings that connect the propulsion shafts with the clutches,” Mr Ellis said.

“Following initial investigations and testing, the manufacturer has determined that shaft couplings need to be replaced.”

Kim Ellis, Director, Australian Antarctic Division. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

The estimated time for a replacement part to arrive means a delay of several months for the ship.

“Delivery time frames for replacement couplings are lengthy, driven to a large extent by material shortages and supply chain issues,” Mr Ellis said.

It means the ship will not be able to embark on scheduled resupply and science missions for the 2022-23 Antarctic season.

Two other vessels, the icebreaker Aiviq and cargo ship Happy Dynamic, will be used instead.

“Changeover dates for the 90 expeditioners currently living and working at Australia’s four research stations in Antarctica and on Macquarie Island will remain much the same,” Mr Ellis said.

“Aiviq was chartered to refuel and resupply our stations last season and remains in Hobart for the season ahead.”

The ship has completed two resupply missions to Australian research stations in Antarctica/

Last year in December the ship’s maiden voyage was delayed after a software malfunction was detected in the alarm and monitoring system.

The icebreaker also suffered an electrical fault the day before its Hobart arrival in October.

Originally published as “Unexpected issue” puts $500m research vessel on ice