Green light for RSV Nuyina to transit Tasman Bridge

The Australian Antarctic Division welcomes approval from TasPorts for the transit of RSV Nuyina under Hobart’s Tasman Bridge for refuelling at Selfs Point.

Discussions with TasPorts about RSV Nuyina started during the design phase a decade ago, which ensured the ship was built to physically fit under the bridge.

AAD’s formal engagement on the bridge transit approval process commenced in January 2021, with agreement on the terms of reference for the risk assessment.

Simulation testing using data from the ship’s delivery voyage was used to assess the impact of ‘windage’ – the surface area of the ship exposed to the force of the wind - when undertaking the transit in various weather conditions.

The AAD acknowledges approvals to transit the bridge are based on safe parameters of wind and current conditions, and that special considerations are needed when setting operational parameters for RSV Nuyina due to the ‘windage’ of the vessel.

Following the successful completion of TasPorts’ Marine Pilot Familiarisation Program, RSV Nuyina will refuel at Selfs Point.

RSV Nuyina is currently on its second voyage in Antarctica with 81 expeditioners and crew on board, and arrived today at Davis research station before heading to Macquarie Island.

The ship is expected to return from its resupply voyage at the end of March, when it will travel to Singapore during the off-season for scheduled maintenance in dry dock.