Chinese icebreakers Xue Long and Xue Long 2 make historic port visit to Hobart
Antarctic science is big business for Hobart – and the visit of two Chinese icebreakers underlines the importance of the industry for the state.
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THE visit of two Chinese icebreakers to Hobart this week was a sign of the city’s vital importance as an Antarctic gateway, the Minister for State Growth says.
The Xue Long and Xue Long 2 are in port this week for a stopover on the 36th Chinese national Antarctic expedition.
The Xue Long 2 – China’s first domestically built icebreaker – is on its maiden voyage south.
The vessels’ names translate as “Snow Dragon”.
State Growth Minister Michael Ferguson said the ship visits were a significant moment for Hobart and a sign of the city’s unique position as a gateway to Antarctica.
As well as the Australian Antarctic program, France, Italy, China, the United States, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, Russia and Japan also make use of the city’s facilities — contributing $186 million dollars to the local economy.
“We’re talking about a sector now that’s employing 850 people, so this is great news for our state,” Mr Ferguson said.
“It means that not only is Tasmania increasingly seen as the gateway but indeed it means benefits for our state – jobs for Tasmanians.”
Tasmanian Polar Network chair Richard Fader said the ship visits benefited a range of local businesses such as shipping agents, providores, welders and engineering firms.
“There’s a varied range of products and services that they’re picking up in Tasmania before they head to their stations in the Antarctic,” he said.
“Over yesterday and today there’s between 10 and 11 tonnes of produce that have been loaded on board and nearly one and a half million litres of fuel.
“Tasmania’s got a fantastic capability to support all the nations that are operating in the East Antarctic and for many years we’ve asked the Chinese to consider Hobart as a port for their resupply needs.
“And in the last couple of years that’s come to fruition.”
Xue Long is expected to arrive at China’s Zhongshan Station in late November and conduct scientific projects in the Ross Sea and Amundsen Sea.
Xue Long 2 will also sail to the Zhongshan Station before conducting research in the Cosmonauts Sea and China’s Great Wall Station.
The ships will visit Hobart again on their return voyage.
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