Bridge ban under review as Nuyina's refuelling saga drags on
Tasmanian authorities are reviewing a ban that prevents the RSV Nuyina, Australia's Antarctic icebreaker, from passing under Hobart's Tasman Bridge. The ban was implemented due to safety concerns after simulations indicated potential collisions with the bridge. The government is exploring options to resolve the costly refuelling issue, with the harbourmaster's decision being crucial to any changes.
- ▪The RSV Nuyina is currently required to take a 674-kilometre detour to refuel, increasing its annual fuel costs by nearly $900,000.
- ▪The bridge ban was put in place after simulations showed the icebreaker could collide with the bridge's pylons multiple times.
- ▪TasPorts is considering new modelling to assess the feasibility of the vessel transiting under the bridge.
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Tasmania reconsiders bridge ban as Nuyina's refuelling saga drags onBy Antarctic reporter Jano GibsonTopic:Antarctic ResearchThu 4 Jun 2026 at 5:19amThu 4 Jun 2026 at 5:19amThu 4 Jun 2026 at 5:19amComputer-based simulations show Australia's Antarctic icebreaker "hit" Hobart's Tasman Bridge four times. (ABC News)In short: Safety concerns currently prevent Australia's Antarctic icebreaker from travelling under Hobart's Tasman Bridge to reach a nearby refuelling depot.But Tasmanian authorities say "all options" are on the table as the state government tries to resolve the costly refuelling issue.What's next?The Tasmanian government says allowing the RSV Nuyina to transit under the bridge is one of three options under consideration, but the harbourmaster will have the final…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at ABC News (Australia).