The Australian Government has signed a contract for Australia’s new icebreaker to replace the current icebreaker, Aurora Australis.
The investment is totalling over $1.912 billion, the largest single investment in the history of the Australian Antarctic program. It includes $529 million covering the capital cost of the icebreaker, and $1.38 billion to be spent on operations and maintenance over its 30 year lifespan.
The custom built ship is due to arrive in Australia in mid-2020.
Australian company DMS Maritime Pty Ltd will project manage the overall ship design and building process, and will then operate and maintain the icebreaker from its home port of Hobart.
The new ship provides a modern platform for marine science research in both sea ice and open water and a moon pool for launching and retrieving remotely operated underwater vehicles.
A multi-beam bathymetric echo sounder will enable seafloor mapping, while portable science laboratories will offer scientists space to conduct research.