A high-tech Antarctic icebreaker ship hasn’t completed a single science mission since Australian taxpayers bought it for $528million.
The Research Survey Vessel (RSV) Nuyina is supposed to carry out two months’ worth of scientific voyages each year in addition to its missions to resupply Antarctic bases with cargo, fuel and personnel.
Since it was launched in 2021, the Nuyina has completed some resupply missions and helped in one rescue operation but after three years is yet to complete any scientific research voyages.
‘The [Australian Antarctic Division] is struggling to allow sufficient time on the ship to deliver marine science,’ a ‘sensitive’ Department of Finance report completed in February and seen by the ABC said.
‘This is beginning to (and could continue to) raise concerns within the scientific community.’
The RSV Nuyina was bought by taxpayers as part of Australian scientific research efforts in Antarctica
The report noted the Nuyina was under significant demand for its resupply services by the AAD and questioned whether one vessel was enough to allow the highly expensive ship to do its intended job.
‘Given Antarctic science is an important benefit that 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 government in the Australian Antarctic Program,’ it stated.
While the report did not suggest a second vessel, Liberal senator Jonathon Duniam said if Australia is ‘serious’ about being a leader in the region an alternative model ship should be considered to supplement the Nuyina.
The Nuyina has also had mechanical issues which caused the cancellation of one science voyage last year and likely means it won’t complete one until 2025.
It was also not cleared to travel under the Tasman Bridge near Hobart meaning it has to travel an extra 600km to refuel in Burnie.
A finance department report noted the vessel was under significant competing demands for its use and had failed to complete any science-only missions
The Australian Antarctic Division said in a statement the issues were being addressed.
‘Over the past 12 months, RSV Nuyina has supported resupply activities at Australia’s research stations including delivering personnel, cargo and equipment,’ an AAD spokesperson 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 gateway review found the overall delivery confidence for the project to design and build Nuyina was good,’ they said.
‘It also noted that the AAD has completed work, or has work underway to address all issues.’
