Alarm fault forces new icebreaker RSV Nuyina’s maiden voyage to be put on ice
Australia’s new icebreaker has had its maiden trip to Antarctica delayed after a software malfunction was detected in the alarm and monitoring system. DETAILS >>
Tasmania
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NEW Antarctic icebreaker RSV Nuyina was supposed to set sail on its maiden voyage on Monday night, but complications onboard left the vessel docked in Hobart while the issue was solved.
The Australian Antarctic Division said a software malfunction was detected in the alarm and monitoring system on Sunday.
“Final testing of the alarm and monitoring system software by ship operators Serco found issues which need to be resolved before departure,” an AAD spokesperson said.
Expeditioners have been in isolation for two weeks ahead of the voyage.
They will now board the vessel on Tuesday and undertake training.
“There are 67 expeditioners and crew on board the five-week voyage to refuel Casey research station, transport helicopters to Davis research station and undertake marine science commissioning,” the spokesperson said.
The ship is now expected to depart later this week.
“The alarm and monitoring system needs to be fully functional for RSV Nuyina to be in safe operation,” the spokesperson said.
“Onboard technicians and IT support from system providers are working to solve the problem.”
The icebreaker also suffered an electrical fault the day before its Hobart arrival in October.
Icebreaker’s grand send-off before maiden voyage
THE towering icebreaker RSV Nuyina has been officially welcomed to Hobart, and also given a grand send-off two days before her maiden voyage to Antarctica.
Two months after celebrations for the arrival from Europe of the 160m-long vessel were cancelled due to a three-day lockdown of southern Tasmania, dignitaries including Prime Minister Scott Morrison gathered to mark the occasion.
Under the scorching summer sun on Saturday morning with temperatures topping 30C, Mr Morrison was on hand to launch the Nuyina at a special ceremony on the Hobart waterfront.
“From aboard the RSV Nuyina, scientists will be able to research uncharted areas of the deep ocean and study the upper reaches of the atmosphere,’’ Mr Morrison said.
“Already she is drawing the attention of the international scientific community and that means good news for jobs in Tasmania as the gateway to Antarctica.
The imminent first voyage of the new vessel, the main lifeline to Australia’s Antarctic research stations, heralds a new era after the retirement of the iconic orange icebreaker, the Aurora Australis.
The Nuyina has the capacity to carry 32 crew and 117 expeditioners for trips lasting up to three months.
Its first task will be to deliver helicopters to Davis Station before travelling to Casey Station for a refuelling mission.
“There is no more advanced polar research vessel in the world,” Environment Minister Sussan Ley declared.
“This is an extraordinary ship. I’ve been privileged to have a look over her this morning, and she is indeed remarkable.”
The Australian Antarctic Division’s Kim Ellis said the Nuyina’s imminent voyage to Antarctica was the culmination of a 10-year journey to deliver the enormous ship.
“It’s much more than the cargo it’s delivering, it’s about the first journey south of this really important Australian asset,” Mr Ellis said.
“We couldn’t be more excited to watch this ship sail out next week for the Antarctic.”
Mr Ellis said just as the Aurora Australis became an icon, so too would the Nuyina.
“This new ship will be even more iconic. It’s bigger, it does more,” he said.
Premier Peter Gutwein described watching the Nuyina come into port in Hobart for the first time amid the Covid-induced lockdown in October.
“As this magnificent vessel sailed into this magnificent harbour, I was but one of only a handful of people that watched this arrive with little pomp and ceremony,” he said.
“But this vessel ... will strengthen the links that we have with Antarctica but importantly embed and cement Hobart as the gateway to Antarctica.”
Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds said the RSV Nuyina further enhanced the state’s connection with Antarctica and the Southern Ocean.
“Investment in Hobart’s Antarctic sector benefits all Tasmanians,” she said.
“Our Antarctic sector is worth $160m a year to Tasmania’s economy and employs nearly 1000 Tasmanians.
“But what we’re really looking forward to is a solid funding commitment to the proposed Antarctic and Science Precinct, and the port and wharf upgrades needed at Macquarie Point to support the long-term presence of RSV Nuyina and expanded activities in the sector.”
The economic value of the Antarctic and Southern Ocean to Tasmania is estimated to be $229m a year.
FACTS AND FIGURES
What is the RSV Nuyina named after?
Nuyina — pronounced noy-yee-nah — means “southern lights” in palawa kani, the language of Tasmanian Aborigines.
How was it named?
A nationwide competition among schools in 2017 resulted in 800 entries. Students from two schools, Hobart’s St Virgil’s College and Secret Harbour Primary School in Western Australia, both suggested Nuyina. Students from both schools won a trip to Antarctica.
How big is it?
160.3m. The Aurora Australis was 94.3m.
How much did it cost?
$528m in design and construction. The Australian government is investing almost $2bn throughout the life cycle of the vessel.
Where was it designed and built?
Designed in Denmark and the Netherlands, built in Romania. Construction started in 2017.
What does it weigh?
26,000 tonnes fully loaded. The Aurora Australis was 8000 tonnes fully loaded.
How many expeditioners can it carry?
Capacity for 117 expeditioners, along with 32 crew.
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