Bridge ban under review as Nuyina's refuelling saga drags on

Tasmanian authorities are reconsidering a ban that prevents Australia's Antarctic icebreaker, the RSV Nuyina, from sailing under Hobart's Tasman Bridge to reach a nearby refuelling depot. The ship is forced to make a 674-kilometer detour to Burnie, adding nearly $900,000 to its annual fuel costs.

The ban, put in place in 2023, was based on simulations by TasPorts' harbourmaster that indicated the Nuyina lacked the necessary "directional stability" to safely pass under the bridge. The modeling showed the virtual vessel colliding with the bridge's central pylons multiple times.

“

TasPorts is considering new modelling to determine if there is any feasibility of the vessel travelling under the bridge.

Shane Gregory, acting secretary for the Department of State Growth, informed a parliamentary hearing that work is underway with the harbourmaster on "potential transit." TasPorts is exploring new modeling to assess the feasibility of the vessel passing under the bridge. This is one of three options being examined, alongside a barge and a holding tank, as part of a deal with the Commonwealth to upgrade Macquarie Wharf.

The state government faces a deadline at the end of July, when a $2 million "milestone" payment is due if the Commonwealth agrees to the proposed refuelling solution. However, the state government has confirmed a permanent solution will not be in place by then, as the Commonwealth rejected an interim plan involving road tankers. TasPorts' interim chief executive, Allan Gray, stated that all options are under consideration, emphasizing the commitment to finding a safe and workable refuelling solution while continuing dialogue with the Australian Antarctic Program.

“

TasPorts is exploring all possible options to support a safe and workable refuelling solution for the RSV Nuyina, including making sure we have suitably explored all options for safe transit of the Tasman Bridge.