Options are being explored to determine the best way to refuel Australia’s Antarctic icebreaker, RSV Nuyina.
The Nuyina is unable to refuel in Hobart, its home port, due to its size, which prevents it from passing under the Tasman Bridge to reach a refuelling station.
Instead, the ship has to travel more than 600 kilometres north to Burnie, adding nearly $1 million a year in extra fuel costs.
The state government has launched an expression of interest process for industry input on a solution, which could return suggestions of a fuel barge or pipeline.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff says finding a better refuelling solution is a priority not just for the Nuyina, but for other ships visiting Hobart.
“This presents an exciting opportunity to improve refuelling capability within the Port of Hobart, boosting its operational efficiency and in time, leading to increased vessel visitation,” he said.
The federal government has already committed $188 million to refurbish Macquarie Wharf 6 for the Nuyina, but it expects Tasmania to come up with a long-term refuelling fix.
The expression of interest process is expected to lead to formal proposals from industry by mid-year.
