Tasmania Secures Hobart as Long-Term Home for Australia’s Antarctic Icebreaker

The Australian Government, led by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, has solidified Tasmania’s future as the strategic home port for the nation’s newest Antarctic icebreaker, RSV Nuyina.

The move, seen as a significant boost to the Australian Antarctic Program, ensures Hobart remains the central hub for Australia’s Antarctic and Southern Ocean research operations for decades to come.

The commitment was made through a pivotal new infrastructure agreement between the Federal and Tasmanian Governments that paves the way for the construction of a modernized Macquarie Wharf 6 at the Port of Hobart.

With a federal investment of AUD $188 million (US $125 million) over four years, the project will deliver state-of-the-art port facilities tailored to the unique demands of Antarctic research vessels. The new facility will support Nuyina‘s crucial role in supplying research stations, maintaining Australia’s strong Antarctic presence.

The Tasmanian Government will provide priority access to Macquarie Wharf 6 for the Nuyina for the next 30 years, alongside continued use of existing port facilities during construction, shoreside power access, and a dedicated refueling solution.

“What this means is Tasmania will remain Australia’s gateway to Antarctica, as it should be,” said Prime Minister Albanese. “This is an investment in Hobart, an investment in Tasmania, and an investment in the future of Australian science.”

RSV Nuyina serves as the vital link between Australia’s Antarctic research stations and the broader scientific community. As the centerpiece of the Australian Antarctic Program, its docking capabilities in Hobart are crucial to supporting ongoing research missions in the Antarctic and sub-Antarctic region.

The planned construction of Macquarie Wharf 6, managed by the Tasmanian Government, is set to begin next year

“This agreement secures a fit-for-purpose home port for the Nuyina and locks in Tasmania’s future as the home of the Australian Antarctic Program,” said Tasmania’s Premier, Jeremy Rockliff. “As part of the agreement, we will also deliver appropriate refueling infrastructure for the Nuyina and other vessels coming into Hobart,” he said.

Rockliff also point out that the port of Hobart has served as a key base for expeditions dating back to the 19th century. He added, “As part of our Government’s 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future, we will continue to promote and develop our world-leading Antarctic Gateway to grow jobs, maritime services, trade and investment, education, science and research, and visitor opportunities.”

The partnership promises to bolster Tasmania’s position as a leader in Antarctic and Southern Ocean endeavors, both economically and scientifically. With nearly 1,000 people employed in the sector and a contribution of over $183 million to the Tasmanian economy each year, maintaining Hobart as the homeport for Australia’s Antarctic presence is seen as crucial.

Delivered in 2021 by Damen Shipyards Galati in Romania, the Nuyina is a 160-meter Antarctic Supply Research Vessel with a displacement of 24,000 tonnes. Operated by Serco for the Australian Antarctic Division, it’s one of the world’s most advanced polar research vessels, capable of various Antarctic operations.

The vessel can support up to 32 crew members, 116 special personnel, and one doctor for 90-day missions. It boasts 500 square meters of research facilities, including laboratories and specialized systems. Nuyina has an impressive range of 16,000 nautical miles at 12 knots and can break through ice up to 1.65 meters thick at 3 knots.

“It’s absolutely fantastic that we’ve reached an agreement so the Australian Antarctic Program will have fit-for-purpose wharf infrastructure so they can continue world-leading Antarctic science based out of Hobart,” said Minister for the Environment and Water, Tanya Plibersek. “That’s why we’ve contributed $188 million towards a new home for the Nuyina, and it’s why we have increased funding for the Australian Antarctic Division by more than half a billion since coming to government.”

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