Australia’s $1.9b new icebreaker RSV Nuyina might not be able to fit under the Tasman Bridge to refuel at fuel terminal

Risk assessments and vessel simulations are being undertaken by the Australian Antarctic Division and TasPorts to determine whether the RSV Nuyina can safely transit under the Tasman Bridge to refuel at Hobart’s major maritime fuel terminal.

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AUSTRALIA’S incoming $1.9b icebreaker may not be able to fit underneath the Tasman Bridge to refuel at Hobart’s major maritime fuel terminal.

RSV Nuyina is set to arrive in Hobart in coming months, but concerns have been raised over its plans to transit under the Tasman Bridge to the Selfs Point fuel terminal located between Cornelian and New Town bays.

When asked by the Sunday Tasmanian if there were any potential issues, an Australian Antarctic Division spokeswoman initially indicated the length, draught and moulded beam of the Nuyina would pose no issues.

“The Nuyina will fit underneath the Tasman Bridge,” she said.

But a TasPorts spokeswoman said due to the bespoke design of the vessel, the corporation and the AAD were working together to undertake activities such as risk assessments and vessel simulations to confirm whether the Nuyina could safely transit under the Tasman Bridge to Selfs Point.

RSV Nuyina undertaking sea trials in the North Sea. Picture: Flying Focus/Australian Antarctic Division

“These investigations are a prudent risk management process and are aligned with industry best practice within the port sector, both nationally and internationally, for any new vessel entering a port,” she said.

On Saturday, AAD asset and infrastructure general manager Rob Bryson confirmed that if TasPorts had concerns around the results of assessments and simulations, the AAD would consider other refuelling options to avoid the bridge.

“TasPorts is very keen, as most people are, to protect the Tasman Bridge,” he said.

“Part of the risk management process is to make sure the pilots are comfortable managing the vessel.

“We’ve designed the vessel to meet the requirements, but if they came back and said there were concerns there are other options we can look at.”

He said the ship could be refuelled in Burnie like the temporary replacement vessel MPV Everest, or there were other options that could be considered around the Port of Hobart area.

Independent Member for Clark Andrew Wilkie lashed out at the potential slip-up.

“It beggars belief that only now has anyone realised there’s a problem with fully basing the vessel in Hobart,” he said. “Good grief, this is a project years in the making and presumably the federal government thought it could count on the Tasmanian government to deliver the basics.

“Hobart’s a global gateway to the Antarctic and the Tasmanian government puts that at risk if it manages to somehow stuff this up.”

Labor Senator Helen Polley said the matter was an example of a lack of due diligence and planning.

“Greater consideration should have been given to the size of the ship and the practical consideration of freight shipping,” she said.

The Tasman Bridge, Hobart. Picture: Chris Kidd

Infrastructure Minister Michael Ferguson said as is the case anywhere in the world, vessel transits under bridges must comply with prescribed port parameters.

“We look forward to welcoming RSV Nuyina to Hobart later this year,” he said.

Sea trials are still underway for Nuyina, with the vessel set to test its ice-breaking capabilities in the Arctic in late April. If all goes to plan, it should head to Hobart in the coming months.

“People are going to be blown away when they see it,” Mr Bryson said.

“You don’t understand how big, beautiful and powerful it is. You’re going to see it from all over Hobart.

“It’ll be an even bigger icon than the (Aurora) Australis. It’s a great sign of Australia’s interest in the Antarctic program.”

The vessel suffered its first scrape in August, where it made contact with the riverbank of the Danube River while being steered away from an uncharted pontoon.

Visual inspections showed only superficial damage.

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