Australia's new icebreaker - RSV Nuyina
One of the most advanced vessels of its kind in the world, the RSV Nuyina is a scientific research platform, icebreaker and resupply ship in one.
In 2016 Serco was awarded the contract for the Design, Build, Operation and Maintenance of Australia’s new icebreaker, the RSV Nuyina. The icebreaker will be a state-of-the-art ship that will offer scientists unprecedented and extended access to the Southern Ocean and Antarctica.
Serco Australia managed the ship design and build process, and will operate and maintain the icebreaker from its home port of Hobart, Tasmania from 2021. The RSV Nuyina will form the centrepiece of the Australian Antarctic Strategy and 20 Year Action Plan and will influence the shape of the nation’s scientific research programme for decades to come.
About the RSV Nuyina
Image: Pete Harmsen AAD
Replacing the Aurora Australis, the RSV Nuyina will be faster, larger, stronger and offer increased endurance. At 160.3 metres long and 25,500 tonnes, the vessel will be powerful enough to break 1.65 metres of ice at a continuous speed of three knots, quiet enough to allow researchers to use acoustic instruments, and large enough to resupply two of Australia’s four Antarctic and sub-Antarctic stations in one voyage.
The vessel will accommodate 34 Serco crew and up to 116 AAD scientific personnel, and has the ability to embark up to four helicopters, two landing craft and a dedicated science tender.
RSV Nuyina completed its first Antarctic season over the 2021-2022 summer.
Captain's Log
Captain Paul Clarke shares news from the bridge as the team readies Australia's new icebreaker for its maiden voyage in 2020.
Knowledge is key
31 January 2020
As work continues on the Nuyina in Galati, Captain Paul Clarke returns to Tasmania to undergo polar code training with the Australian Maritime College.
Goodbye Antarctica, hello Romania
29 November 2019
As the Aurora Australis crew say goodbye to Antarctica, Captain Clarke has an opportunity to help out with underway water sampling for two research projects on the ship.
Davis station refuelling
22 November 2019
In Antarctica on the Aurora Australis, Captain Clarke participates in the Davis research station refuelling.
Harbour Acceptance Trials
20 November 2019
The Galati Four are in the swing of Harbour Acceptance Trials for the Nuyina's elevators, cranes and life boats.