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Scientific capabilities of RSV Nuyina

Antarctic science is at the heart of the Australian Antarctic Program. The Australian Antarctic Division leads the Australian Government’s scientific program in Antarctica. Our research is directed by the Australian Antarctic Strategic Plan.

Projects are undertaken in Antarctica, the sub-Antarctic, in the Southern Ocean and in Australia. Antarctic science is highly collaborative, bringing together researchers from across Australia and around the world.

Antarctica and the Southern Ocean are often called the engine room for the Earth's climate. Antarctica teaches us about our past and current climate, and informs us of the nature, extent and consequences of future climate change.

RSV Nuyina is truly a ship of the future as it enables research that enhances our understanding of critical issues, including climate change, human impacts in Antarctica, wildlife conservation and the sustainable management of Southern Ocean fisheries in the face of increasing demands.

The Nuyina has been designed so that it can support scientific research that answers the critical questions of today, but it must also cope with future research demands over its 30 year lifespan, some of which are currently unknown.

To ensure this, scientists involved in the design consultation had to do a bit of crystal ball gazing, to consider what the science of the future could look like and what future capabilities would be needed on the ship to support that.

Take a look at the different capabilities onboard to learn more – in the links and video below.

In addition to laboratories, many spaces onboard RSV Nuyina are dedicated to support scientific research operations.

Science spaces

  • Aft control room: controls for deck deployments and winches
  • Aft Science Deck: approx. 500 m2
  • 2 dedicated battery charging rooms
  • Crows nest
  • CTD hangar
  • Electronics workshop
  • Foremast
  • 4 gas bottle storage lockers
  • Hazardous materials store
  • Laboratory deck store
  • Marine life observation huts: positioned port and starboard on Deck 11, observation huts are serviced with heated floor and seats, and data outlets
  • Sea ice staging area
  • Sea ice staging drying room
  • Science cool, cold, and frozen stores
  • Science meeting room
  • Science offices
  • Science operations room
  • Science winch room
A brightly lit room contains sinks, desks, cabinets and scientific equipment.
Scientists have dedicated laboratories on board RSV Nuyina, including this space for sorting and processing marine samples. Photo: Pete Harmsen
Science tool kit
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