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Commissioning of RSV Nuyina – Harbour Phase update
The commissioning and trials phase of Australia’s new icebreaker RSV Nuyina has commenced and will continue for at least two years.
RSV Nuyina is currently in a Hobart harbour trials phase. Over the next 6 weeks, the ship’s engineering, technical and science systems will be systematically tested.
Nuyina is a state-of-the-art resupply ship and science platform with the most advanced suite of scientific capabilities of any icebreaker in the world.
The Australian Antarctic Division has now successfully installed the world’s first containerised Antarctic aquaria on the ship and has begun working on Nuyina’s fibre optic cables and acoustic systems.
Engineering work is currently underway on the ship’s clutches, spare parts are being sourced and the vessel’s emergency systems are being rigorously tested and calibrated.
Commissioning activities on the vessel are an essential planned step to provide an opportunity for Australian Antarctic Division and Serco staff to learn and operate the ship’s systems.
As a normal part of commissioning a new and highly complex ship, we will be resolving any issues identified and modifying or repairing equipment as required, ahead of the icebreaker’s first Antarctic voyage.
In the coming weeks RSV Nuyina will also be undertaking shallow water trials around Tasmania and will refuel in Burnie as part of this voyage.
Ongoing simulation testing is being undertaken with TasPorts to identify suitable operating parameters for the ship to transit under the Tasman Bridge for refuelling at Self’s Point.
