P&O MARITIME Logistics says the RSV Aurora Australis will depart Hobart on Saturday December 12 at 9am local time as it begins a long voyage to Dubai.

“We are incredibly proud of the work undertaken by Aurora Australis as she is an exceptional vessel that has kept her crew and passengers safe for 30-years” said Radostin Popov, P&OML chief business development officer.

The re-tasking of Aurora Australis follows what the company says was “a careful evaluation by P&OML of all options, as a result of significant interest from a wide range of parties around the world”.

The Aurora Australis is being replaced by the RSV Nuyina, however, due to construction delays, this summer’s Antarctic run is being done via charter vessel the MPV Everest.