THE Australian Antarctic Division has issued a call for public comment on the draft Initial Environmental Evaluation – RSV Nuyina operations 2021-2026.
The draft report assesses the potential environmental impacts associated with the operation of the new icebreaker.
The AAD said RSV Nuyina was designed and built to support the resupply of Australia’s three Antarctic research stations and as a platform for supporting marine and atmospheric science in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean.
Members of the public are invited to review the draft IEE and submit comment to eia@aad.gov.au by the close of business on 12 August 2021.
RSV Nuyina is due to arrive in Hobart in October for operations over the summer.
Construction of the new ship began in May 2017 at Damen Shipyards in Romania. In July last year it was 98% complete, but final harbour testing and sea and ice trials were delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
RSV Nuyina is replacing the beloved Aurora Australis, which ended its long tenure as Australia’s Antarctic resupply vessel in late 2020.
