MARITIME: Australia’s Advanced Icebreaker, RSV Nuyina, Resumes Operations

By Our Correspondent

Australia’s advanced research icebreaker, the RSV NUYINA, has returned to its homeport of Hobart, Australia, after a year-long repair and maintenance, according to FleetMon.

It stated: “The vessel was laid up in Singapore, where critical systems were repaired and improved. The ship arrived in Hobart on April 24th, 2023. The RSV NUYINA was built by Damen Shipyards Galati and cost around $500 million. It is currently in service of the Australian Antarctic Division (AAD). However, in October 2021, just a month after delivery, the AAP reported issues with the ship’s electrical system. Two months later, the vessel’s maiden voyage was delayed due to issues with its alarm and monitoring system software.

“After operating in the 2021-2022 season at the Casey and Davis research stations in Antarctica, as well as Macquarie Island, the vessel headed to Singapore for maintenance and repairs in April 2022. The couplings connecting the propulsion shafts with the clutches caused issues, but the repairs were covered under warranty. Unfortunately, the vessel missed the bulk of the 2022-2023 season.

“The AAP has already lined up a busy schedule for the vessel to resume backlogs that have been built up in the ship’s commissions. Preparations were underway for the vessel’s next journey to Macquarie Island before it arrived in Hobart. The ship will head to Macquarie Island in early May for cargo delivery and science support.

“The AAD stated that they expected problems with the vessel even before it arrived in Australian waters. However, they also noted that the RSV NUYINA is one of the most sophisticated scientific icebreakers in the world, and it was unfortunate that the vessel had drawn international criticism for its early problems. Following the trip to Macquarie Island, the vessel will head to Australia before heading south again for resupply missions and to conduct marine research.”