It sounds like the sort of story you would read in newspapers on 1 April: Australia takes delivery of new icebreaker.
But the ship, the 24,000 tonne RSV Nuyina (built 2021), has left Vlissingen in the Netherlands on a seven-week voyage to its new home in Hobart, Tasmania.
Nuyina, means Southern Lights in palawa kani, the language of Tasmanian Aborigines and was selected as part of the Australian government's "Name our Icebreaker" competition, which attracted nearly 800 entries from the nation's primary and secondary school pupils.
The vessel’s mission includes the resupply of Antarctic stations and research campaigns, scientific research, icebreaking, transport, disaster relief, evacuation and patrol duties.
UK outsourcing company Serco was responsible for the design, build, operation and maintenance of the AUD1.9bn ($1.4bn) ship for the Australian Antarctic Division.
The ship was designed by Danish naval architects Knud E Hansen and built by Damen Shipyards, with the hull built at its Galati yard in Romania and then outfitted in the Netherlands.
Naval contracts
Over the past 20 years, the Dutch shipbuilder has delivered more than 75 ships to Australia, including three sophisticated support vessels for the Royal Australian Navy.
“While the pandemic has delivered unprecedented challenges to the project, the team has worked in consultation with our customer the Australian Antarctic Division and shipbuilder Damen to ensure work can continue on the vessel in the Netherlands safely and effectively,” Serco Project director David Astbury said.
About 120 Dutch companies throughout the supply chain were involved in the project under Damen’s leadership.
The Nuyina can accommodate up to 32 crew, 116 special personnel and a doctor, who will live on board for up to 90 days.
Its research facilities include 500 sq metres of science laboratories and offices, wet well and ultra-pure seawater systems, and meteorological and air chemistry labs.
The vessel has a range of 16,000 nautical miles (30,000 km) at 12 knots, and an icebreaking capability of 1.65 metres at 3 knots.
“Commencing the delivery voyage to Hobart is a momentous occasion and it has been an incredible journey to get to this point,” Serco Asia Pacific chief executive Peter Welling said.
“We are thrilled to see the Nuyina now under the operation of Serco’s crew, and we are looking forward to its arrival in Hobart next month, where we will operate and maintain the vessel for up to 30 years.”
Master of the ship Captain Gerry O’Doherty said he is excited to bring the Nuyina home.
“It’s a monumental occasion to take delivery of a brand-new icebreaker that’s been custom designed and built for the Australian Antarctic Program,” he said.
“The people of Hobart will be blown away when they see the size of the ship. It’s just very imposing and very impressive.
“Everyone involved in this project can take great pride in their contribution to the development of a vessel that has set a new world benchmark in polar-science capability.”
Once it arrives, Nuyina will undertake an intensive period of testing, commissioning and certification of various systems and capabilities, including ice trials in Antarctica.
