Australian Antarctic Division could shift shipping operations to Fremantle amid fuel fiasco, MP claims

The Australian Antarctic Division is exploring shifting some of its operations because it is unable to refuel its flagship icebreaker in Hobart, an MP claims. What was said during budget estimates.

RSV Nuyina docked at MAC 2 in July. Picture: Chris Kidd

The Australian Antarctic Division has given an icy response to claims it plans to move shift its shipping operations to Fremantle because it is unable to refuel its flagship icebreaker in Hobart.

Member for Franklin David O’Byrne said he understood the AAD was looking at port facilities elsewhere because of the issue.

“Industry sources have indicated that the AAD have already met with Fremantle port, about engaging and moving some of their operations to Fremantle port,” he said.

“In fact, I understand representatives from the AAD are travelling to Fremantle in the coming weeks to discuss the consequences of potentially moving because of this Nuyina access issue that you seem to think is somebody else’s problem.

“I think it’s arguably your problem, that we may lose them to the Fremantle port.”

TasPorts says the Australia Antarctic program is on the cusp of signing up to use Hobart as its home port for the next three decades.

The AAD’s research vessel RSV Nuyina has been denied permission by TasPorts to refuel at Selfs Point for fuel because it was deemed unsafe to travel under the Tasman Bridge.

Instead, the vessel has been forced to travel hundreds of nautical miles to refuel at the Port of Burnie.

Government Business Enterprise committee hearings at Parliament House in Hobart on Thursday heard that the final decision to bar the ship from passing under the bridge was taken in August after modelling of the final design and river trials.

The Australian Antarctic Division said it was not planning a move.

“The Australian Antarctic Division is not considering moving its operations to Fremantle.

“The long-term future of the division is in Hobart, as an Antarctic gateway city and we look forward to finalising negotiations with TasPorts about a permanent and fit-for-purpose berth for the Nuyina.

“We look forward to the Tasmanian Government’s commitment to provide a Hobart-based refuelling solution.”

David O'Byrne member for Franklin. TasPorts. GBE hearings. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Deputy Premier Michael Ferguson accused Mr O’Byrne of “troublemaking”.

“I invite you to barrack for Tasmania, don’t barrack for others,” he said.

Mr Ferguson said the problem was one for the AAD to solve, and the state government stood ready to help.

“Let’s be very clear here, as I think you would recognise, until recently, the AAD, were in the mistaken belief that they would be able to transit their enormous vessel under critical infrastructure — and they were wrong,” he said.

Nuyina research vessel arrives at Hobart in April. Picture: Chris Kidd

TasPorts chairman Stephen Bradford said he was confident Hobart had a long future at the home port for the RSV Nuyina.

“I have I have no fears that it will go to Fremantle, Adelaide or Darwin. I have no fears about that.

“We are working very closely with AAD management who are doing a very good job – let’s put that on the record – to sign a long-term 30-year lease for them to be at berth six at Macquarie Wharf.

A fuel barge is one of the options being considered to enable the Nuyina to refuel in Hobart, but Mr Bradford said port operators were rarely if ever involved in refuelling operations.

TasPorts CEO Anthony Donald said TasPorts had done all it could to help the AAD before and after the decision to bar the Nuyina from passing under the Tasman Bridge.

“We pride ourselves on being as helpful as possible,” Mr Donald said.

Anthony Donald CEO TasPorts. TasPorts. GBE hearings. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

The hearing also heard parts of the Hobart wharf infrastructure were so decrepit that they could bear no loads heavier than pedestrian traffic. Proposed upgrades are expected to cost up to $300m.