Australian Antarctic Division’s RSV Nuyina ‘struggling’ to deliver science capability and support Macquarie Island
The Australian Antarctic Division’s RSV Nuyina was built to boost scientific programs, however it’s ‘struggling’ to reach its full potential, a new report reveals. Find out why.
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The Australian Antarctic Division’s icebreaker RSV Nuyina is struggling to find time for marine science, a federal government report has revealed.
The Federal Department of Finance’s Research Supply Project Gateway Review Report, which was released publicly, said demand on infrastructure and resupply missions has meant the icebreaker hasn’t had “dedicated time” for science.
The review stated science programs were impacted, as the AAD were relying on a “single vessel” for all sea capabilities to Antarctica and Macquarie Island, referencing the demand for resupply and infrastructure improvement at research stations had increased.
“This is in particular being felt in the marine science program, which has not yet had dedicated time on the RSV Nuyina,” the report said.
“Given Antarctica science is an important benefit that the government sought from the investment in the RSV Nuyina, there may be a need to consider whether the single vessel model is going to achieve all that is required from the government in the Australian Antarctic Program.
“The AAD is struggling to allow sufficient time on the ship to deliver marine science. This is beginning to (and could continue to) raise concerns within the scientific community.”
The report, which has been labelled as sensitive, was released after Liberal Senator Jonathon Duniam moved a motion in the senate to release the documents.
The $534.4m icebreaker wasn’t planned and had not been designed efficiently to support and resupply Macquarie Island, the report said.
Despite that, there were zero recommendations made in the report to address those issues.
An AAD spokesperson said the review found an overall delivery confidence and noted the AAD has completed or is underway in addressing all issues.
“The RSV Nuyina is one of the most complex scientific icebreakers in the world and will serve Australia’s interests in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean for the next 30 years,” they said.
“The Nuyina has also assisted critical Australian Antarctic Program science activities, including sea floor mapping, the Southern Ocean plankton survey, the deployment of whale and krill monitoring devices and support for the Denman Terrestrial Campaign.”
The report also identified a number of logistic issues, including the Nuyina not being able to refuel in its home port of Hobart after being denied permission to sail under the Tasman Bridge by TasPorts.
The limited fuelling ability has meant the icebreaker must sail to Burnie to refuel.
The State Government is looking into solutions with the AAD, including commissioning a feasibility report for a fuel barge.
The AAD is also working with TasPorts to potentially build a permanent berthing place at Macquarie Harbour in Hobart.
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