Icebreaker barges for Australia’s new icebreaking research vessel

Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding (DSNS) has selected Tasmanian company Taylor Bros to supply two high-powered Antarctic landing barges for Australia’s new icebreaker, the Nuyina.

Damen is building Nuyina at its Romanian yard Damen Shipyards Galati yard for the Australian Antarctic Division (AAD).

The barges, which are being designed, engineered and built in Australia, will carry 45.5-tonne trucks from ship to shore on a continuous basis, providing capability for unloading and reloading.

Construction will be completed in 2020, when Nuyina begins operations.

Nuyina will be 156 metres in length, with a beam of 25.6 metres. She will be able to break ice up to 1.65 metres at speeds of three knots and will supply Australia’s research stations in Antarctica and Macquarie Island with cargo, equipment and personnel.

With a 500-square-metre laboratory and office facilities, the vessel will also serve to conduct research activities. The Nuyina will host up to 32 DMS Maritime crew and as many as 116 AAD scientific personnel, plus a doctor, in climate-controlled accommodation.

The vessel will be operated by DMS Maritime, a wholly owned subsidiary of Serco.