A familiar sight has returned to Hobart as the Japanese research vessel Umitaka Maru docks in the Tasmanian capital once again.
Following a successful expedition to the Antarctic waters, the Umitaka Maru and its 80-person crew arrived in Hobart, having conducted work focused on both training marine science students and gathering oceanographic data in the Southern Ocean.
Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff welcomed the Umitaka Maru’s return, highlighting its significance amid a busy summer season for international research and resupply vessels in the city.
“It is really exciting to now have the Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology’s research vessel docked in Hobart after my invitation to resume voyages to Tasmania following a hiatus during COVID,” Rockliff said.
“It was wonderful to meet Captain Hayashi and Chief Scientist Dr Kohei Mizobata during a tour of the vessel.”
“Japan is a key trading partner for Tasmania, and I am proud to continue building this relationship.”
The Antarctic and Southern Ocean sector adds more than $183 million to the state’s economy each year and employs nearly 1,000 people.
