Australian Antarctic Division’s icebreaker ‘partially resupplied’ research station after malfunction
The Australian Antarctic Division’s $528m icebreaker has only partially resupplied a research station after experiencing a malfunction and now it could see industrial action. Details >>
Tasmania
Don't miss out on the headlines from Tasmania. Followed categories will be added to My News.
An Australian Antarctic Division resupply mission to Mawson Research Station was disrupted after its icebreaker’s cranes experienced technical issues while in the polar region last month.
The $528m RSV Nuyina could only partially offload the ship’s cargo at Mawson station after poor weather and the forward cranes malfunctioned.
“Repairs were done and one of the cranes was returned to partial operation,” an AAD spokesperson said.
“That allowed for some critical supplies for Mawson station to be accessed.
“This was transported to the station by helicopter.”
The Nuyina has two 55 tonne knuckle-boom cranes to carry dozens of cargo to resupply Australian research stations.
The ship can carry up to 96 containers and 1200 tonnes of cargo.
“The station has enough food, fuel and other supplies to ensure the safety of our expeditioners through the coming winter months,” a spokesperson said.
“The AAD is working with Serco to assess the status of the ship’s cranes and have necessary repairs undertaken while the ship is in port in Hobart.”
This has happened as officers and engineers have threatened industrial action against Serco – the company awarded the contract to design and build the Nuyina.
As part of the action, staff will not load or offload cargo, refuel the vessel or run its propulsion system until their demands over pay and conditions are met.
A Serco spokesperson said all crew worked and performed their duties would be paid accordingly.
“Our latest offer includes a generous pay increase over four years,” they said.
“Serco remains committed to negotiating in good faith and reaching an agreement that is fair for all, and sustainable.
“We have again sought the assistance of the Fair Work Commission to resolve this situation quickly so that we can limit any further disruption to Australia’s important Antarctic operations.”
An AAD spokesperson said they were continuing to monitor the situation but weren’t a party to negotiations.
“Our priorities are ensuring the welfare of our people, sustaining our stations and preparing for future projects,” they said.
It also comes as a recent government report revealed the icebreaker is struggling to find time for marine science and had not been designed to support and resupply Macquarie Island.
Earlier this month, the Federal Department of Finance’s Research Supply Project Gateway Review Report said the demand on infrastructure and resupply missions had meant the icebreaker hadn’t “dedicated time” for science.
“Over the past 12 months RSV Nuyina has supported resupply activities at Australia’s research stations including, delivering personnel, cargo and equipment,” an AAD spokesperson said at the time.
One and done: Hobart music festival canned
After just one year the organisers of a Hobart summer musical festival have announced plans to can it. Here’s why HAYDAYS will not go ahead in 2024 >>
Metro ramps up recruitment, can’t say when services will be restored
Amid an ongoing driver shortage, Metro Tasmania has taken its recruitment efforts up a notch – but it still can’t commit to a timeline for the restoration of 180 suspended services.