NUYINA

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Latest news

Troubled icebreaker remains at center of controversy

The 'Nuyina' remains at the center of controversy with the latest report highlighting that it has not carried out any scientific voyages since its launch in 2021. The icebreaker, which is operated by the Australian Antarctic Division (AAD), has experienced mechanical failures which have raised concerns. as the new Australian federal government report criticizes the fact that the ship has not carried out any scientific expeditions. The only form of scientific research, according to the AAD, arrived in February2024 with its first contribution to a decades-long multinational program studying the tiny marine plants and animals of the Southern Ocean. The 'Nuyina' conducted the survey while sailing to the Casey research station. Before that, the vessel had initially been withdrawn after arriving in Australia due to an electrical problem. During the launch in 2022, it experienced a shortage of spare parts which delayed the first missions until 2023. “The Australian Antarctic Division is struggling to leave enough time on the ship to deliver marine science", the report stated, adding that with Antarctic science being a major benefit the government sought from the investment in the icebreaker, it may be necessary to consider whether the single-ship model is going to achieve all that is required in the Australian Antarctic Programme. The 'Nuyina' is equipped with four permanent scientific laboratories and can accommodate 20 more in additional containers for specialized research projects that will evolve in the coming decades. She can accommodate 117 people and 32 crew for 92 days at sea.

Sick person taken to hospital

After the extremely complicated rescue of a sick person from the Casey Research Station in the Antarctic, approximately 3,380 kilometers south of Perth, the person has arrived at a hospital in Hobart, where the icebreaker 'Nuyina' berthed on Sep 10. In total, the ship sailed around 6,500 kilometers. The sick person was brought on board by a helicopter, suffering from a developing illness and in need of a specialist medical examination and care in Australia. On board of the icebreaker, doctors and staff from the Royal Hobart Hospital looked after the person.

Medevac in Antarctic region

The 'Nuyina' medevaced a sick researcher from the Antarctic scientific research station Casey, one of three Australian bases at the South Pole, on Sep 4, 2023. The Australian expeditioner required specialist medical assessment and care in Australia for a developing medical condition. The ship was now back on its way to Hobart with an ETA as of Sep 10, where the patient is to be disembarked for further medical treatment ashore. The icebreaker has to travel 3,443 kilometers.