The heavy icebreaker was designed for the Australian Government to resupply their Antarctic bases and for research and scientific work. The vessel can deploy a wide range of vehicles, including helicopters, landing barges and amphibious trucks to support the resupply operations. The new ship provides a modern platform for marine science research in both sea ice and open water with a large moon pool for launching and retrieving sampling equipment and remotely operated vehicles.

Unique to the vessel is a hybrid propulsion system to provide both the high power needed for icebreaking and silent running for science operations. Sensitive acoustic instruments are mounted on dual drop keels and multi-beam bathymetric sonars will enable sea floor mapping. Flexible and modular science laboratories will provide scientists the diverse facilities needed for conducting cutting edge research.

Main Particulars

• Length o.a.: 160,50 m
• Breadth moulded: 25,60 m
• Depth to main deck: 19,20 m
• Draught max: 9,20 m
• Displacement full load: 24000 t

Capacity

• of passengers (scientists): 116 pers
• of crew: 32 pers

Speed

• Max: 16+ kn
• Ice breaking: 3 kn

Propulsion

• Diesel-Direct + PTI (electric hybrid)
• Propulsion power: 26600 kW
• Generator power: 11000 kWe
• Thrusters: 3 bow and 3 stern

Classification

Lloyd’s Register of Shipping