Australia’s New Icebreaker RSV Nuyina Starts Sea Trials

The icebreaker is intended for the Australian Antarctic Division (AAD). This government agency aims to promote Australia’s scientific, strategic and ecological interests in the Southern Ocean and Antarctica. To this end, the ship will accommodate 116 scientists, plus 32 crew members. Damen picture

Australia’s New Icebreaker RSV Nuyina Starts Sea Trials

After her arrival in the Netherlands at the end of August, Australia’s icebreaker RSV Nuyina is commencing her seatrials in the North Sea.

Naval News Staff  26 Nov 2020

Damen press release

This marks the start of a month-long phase and an important milestone for all involved in the icebreaker project; the Australian Antarctic Division, ship managers Serco and shipbuilder Damen.

Damen has been working on the icebreaker since 2016. Seatrials will be followed by additional weeks of deepwater trials. Testing of the ship’s speed, noise, propulsion systems, steering, advanced electrical systems, and science equipment will take place as the vessel prepares for final sea ice trials in the Arctic early next year.

The ship is slightly smaller than HNLMS Karel Doorman, but comparable in terms of steel weight. Damen picture

One of the most advanced vessels of its kind, RSV Nuyina will provide a world-class scientific platform for Antarctic researchers, carrying cutting-edge equipment to study the depths of the Southern Ocean, sea ice and the upper atmosphere. The vessel is expected to arrive in its home port of Hobart in mid-2021 to commence Antarctic operations in next year’s Southern Hemisphere summer season.