How do you respond when you’re in charge of delivering one of the world’s most advanced icebreaker vessels in the middle of a global pandemic?
This is the challenge Serco RSV Nuyina project director, David Astbury, has faced this year, with international travel restrictions from COVID-19 requiring innovative thinking to keep Australia’s new icebreaker moving forward.
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. 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.
A $1.91 billion investment by the Australian Government, the Nuyina is the centrepiece of the Australian Antarctic Strategy and 20 Year Action Plan.
Serco Australia has led the design and build of the vessel for the Australian Antarctic Division since 2016, and will operate and maintain the ship when it arrives in its home port of Hobart in 2021.
