RSV Nuyina sea trials

The vessel, which arrived at the port on Monday 24 April and is scheduled to depart for Macquarie Island on 10 May, was approved for sea trials by TasPorts under the direction of the Tasmanian Harbour Master.

TasPorts CEO, Anthony Donald said the vessel was granted conditional approval to transit the Tasman Bridge earlier last year.

“Whenever a new type of vessel enters a Tasmanian port, we undertake critical risk assessment work,” he said.

“Further rigour to this assessment is required for bespoke vessels like the Nuyina. This work has been peer reviewed by leading maritime consultant OMC International and marine pilots with local experience operating in the Port of Hobart.”

Mr Donald said maritime safety was TasPorts’ number one priority.

“The Tasman Bridge transit is highly complex,” he said.

“While the river may look calm, there are a range of environmental conditions that are considered for each transit.

“Every transit requires precision planning and teamwork between the vessel’s bridge crew, TasPorts’ marine pilots, towage and marine operatives and TasPort’s Vessel Traffic Services Centre.”