Icebreaker given tick to travel under Tasman Bridge

TasPorts says the new Antarctic icebreaker will be allowed to pass under the Tasman Bridge after months of no entry. LATEST >>

THE Australian Antarctic Division’s new icebreaker has been given the green light to travel under the Tasman Bridge.

RSV Nuyina arrived in Hobart in October and is currently on its second voyage to Antarctica.

Although it was designed to fit safely through the main navigation span of the Tasman Bridge, the ship has had to sail to Burnie to refuel instead of making the short trip to Selfs Point.

TasPorts said it has granted Nuyina approval to transit the Tasman Bridge, “following the completion of extensive and diligent risk assessments, including complex simulation exercises and a peer review by a leading international maritime consultant”.

The approval is conditional on the satisfactory completion of a comprehensive Marine Pilot Familiarisation Program involving harbour trials and followed by further simulation exercises at the Australian Maritime College’s simulator.

TasPorts chief executive officer Anthony Donald said the decision required complex analysis.

“Whenever a new vessel which is outside established port parameters enters a Tasmanian port, TasPorts is committed to undertaking appropriate risk assessment,” he said.

“Under the direction of the Tasmanian Harbour Master we have conducted rigorous and robust assessment and simulation, which has been peer-reviewed by industry leading maritime consultant OMC International, as well as by marine pilots with local experience operating within the Port of Hobart.”

Mr Donald said once all conditions of the approval were successfully met, the RSV Nuyina would be able to make its first transit under the bridge.

“This is a highly complex maritime transit that requires precision planning and execution across three distinct areas – the environmental conditions, a vessel’s configuration and performance and a team of highly skilled mariners all working together to ensure a successful transit,” Mr Donald said.

“While the river may look calm and peaceful, there are a range of environmental conditions which need to be considered for each transit.

“For example, the wind speed and direction, tidal movements and freshwater flow down the river can all impact a vessel’s manoeuvrability.

“Alongside this, we also consider the configuration and performance of the vessel, including its propulsion type and draught.

“Finally, each transit requires precision planning and teamwork between the vessel’s bridge crew, our marine pilots, towage and marine operatives, right through to our Vessel Traffic Services Centre operatives who oversee all shipping movements.”

The Tasman Bridge was struck by the 7200-tonne bulk ore carrier Lake Illawarra in January 1975, knocking down a section of the bridge. The ship sank and 12 people died in the disaster.

Can the new icebreaker fit under the Tasman Bridge?

A decision has still not been made whether the new icebreaker RSV Nuyina can safely pass under the Tasman Bridge so it can refuel in its home port.

The Australian Antarctic Division’s new 25,000-tonne displacement icebreaker arrived in Hobart in October and is on its second voyage to Antarctica.

Although it was designed to fit safely through the main navigation span of the Tasman Bridge, the ship has had to sail to Burnie to refuel instead of making the short trip to Selfs Point.

TasPorts Chief Executive Officer Anthony Donald said a decision was due soon.

“When a new vessel enters a Tasmanian port, TasPorts is committed to undertaking appropriate risk assessments,” he said.

“Where a vessel is bespoke, such as the RSV Nuyina, further rigour is required, including the completion of industry leading assessments and simulations. This is particularly critical when a vessel has a requirement to transit the Tasman Bridge.

“It is anticipated a final determination will be made over coming weeks regarding the RSV Nuyina’s ability to transit the Tasman Bridge.

“The deliberate and considered approach to this matter ensures that TasPorts fully satisfies its responsibilities and obligations to ensure maritime safety at the Port of Hobart in the best interest of the community and the State of Tasmania.

An Australian Antarctic Division spokesman said the RSV Nuyina has been designed to fit under the Tasman Bridge.

“Simulation testing using data from the delivery voyage has been used to assess the impact of ‘windage’ – the surface area of the ship exposed to the force of the wind – when undertaking the transit in various weather conditions,” he said in a statement.

“A report by the Tasmanian Harbour Master has been presented to the TasPorts board and an independent review of the assessment has been done.

“A determination is expected to be made at the February meeting of the TasPorts board later this month.

“RSV Nuyina has so far refuelled at the Port of Burnie and in the Port of Hobart using fuel tankers.

“It is intended that RSV Nuyina will refuel at Selfs Point once the necessary approvals are in place.”

The Tasman Bridge was struck by the 7200-tonne bulk ore carrier Lake Illawarra in January 1975, knocking down a section of the bridge. The ship sank and 12 people died in the disaster.

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