Tasmania Struggles to Find Refuelling Solution for Antarctic Icebreaker
Tasmania 'just wanted to roll trucks in' in quick fix for icebreaker refuelling saga
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The Tasmanian government has failed to provide an effective refuelling solution for Australia's Antarctic icebreaker, RSV Nuyina, which cannot access Hobart's marine fuel depot due to safety restrictions. The state has proposed using road tankers temporarily, but this has been rejected by the federal government, risking a $2 million milestone payment.
- 01The RSV Nuyina has been refuelling in Burnie, adding approximately $875,000 annually to its fuel costs.
- 02Tasmania's interim solution involves using 64 road tankers, which would take over five days to complete a full refuel.
- 03The Tasmanian government will not meet the deadline for a refuelling solution, jeopardizing a $2 million milestone payment from the Commonwealth.
- 04Federal Environment Minister Murray Watt stated that Tasmania's proposal is 'far from' acceptable.
- 05The Australian Antarctic Division plans to continue refuelling the Nuyina in Burnie next year, with costs decreasing to $600,000 this year.
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The Tasmanian government has struggled to find a viable refuelling solution for the RSV Nuyina, Australia's Antarctic icebreaker, which cannot access Hobart's marine fuel depot due to safety concerns regarding the Tasman Bridge. Since 2023, the ship has been travelling 674 kilometres to refuel in Burnie, significantly increasing annual fuel costs by approximately $875,000. Tasmania proposed using road tankers as a temporary fix, but this plan was deemed unacceptable by the federal government during a Senate estimates hearing. The state has missed a critical deadline to present a workable solution, which was part of a $188 million agreement with the Commonwealth that includes a $2 million milestone payment. Federal officials indicated that Tasmania's interim solution, which would require 64 tankers and take over five days for a full refuel, is impractical. The Australian Antarctic Division confirmed it will continue refuelling in Burnie, with this year's costs reduced to $600,000 due to fewer trips.
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The inability to secure a refuelling solution affects the operational efficiency of the RSV Nuyina and could lead to increased costs for the Tasmanian government.
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