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A high-tech icebreaker in Antarctica has not completed a single scientific mission since Australian taxpayers bought it for $528 million.
The research and reconnaissance vessel (RSV) Nuyina is supposed to carry out two months of scientific voyages each year, in addition to its missions to resupply Antarctic bases with cargo, fuel and personnel.
Since its launch in 2021, the Nuyina has completed some resupply missions and assisted in a rescue operation, but after three years it has yet to complete any scientific research voyages.
“The (Australian Antarctic Division) is struggling to have enough ship time to deliver marine science,” said a “sensitive” Department of Finance report completed in February and seen by the ABC saying.
“This is starting to raise (and could continue to raise) concerns within the scientific community.”
The RSV Nuyina was purchased by taxpayers as part of Australian scientific research efforts in Antarctica.
The report noted that the Nuyina had significant demand for its replenishment services from the AAD and questioned whether one ship was enough to allow the expensive ship to do its intended work.
“Given that Antarctic science is an important benefit that the government sought from the investment in the RSV Nuyina, it may be necessary to consider whether the single ship model will achieve all that is required of the government in the Australian Antarctic Program,” he said. .
While the report does not suggest a second ship, Liberal senator Jonathon Duniam said if Australia is “serious” about being a leader in the region, an alternative ship model should be considered to complement the Nuyina.
The Nuyina also had mechanical problems that caused a scientific voyage to be canceled last year and likely mean it won’t complete one until 2025.
He was also not allowed to travel under the Tasman Bridge near Hobart, meaning he has to travel an additional 600 kilometers to refuel in Burnie.
A finance department report noted that the ship was under significant competing demands for use and had not completed any purely scientific 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 Australian research stations, including the delivery of personnel, cargo and equipment,” an AAD spokesperson said.
“The Nuyina has also assisted critical scientific activities of the Australian Antarctic Program including seafloor mapping, studying Southern Ocean plankton, deploying whale and krill monitoring devices and supporting the Denman Land Campaign.”
“The portal review found that overall confidence in the delivery of the project to design and build Nuyina was good,” they said.
“He also noted that the AAD has completed or has work underway to address all issues.”