A SENATE estimates session in Canberra has heard that plans by the Tasmanian government to refuel Australia’s Antarctic icebreaker RSV Nuyina by truck are “far from” acceptable.
The Nuyina is based at Hobart’s Macquarie Wharf.
It is unable to access the city's marine fuel depot because it is barred from sailing under the Tasman Bridge for safety reasons, the bridge being the site of the Lake Illawarra bulker tragedy in January 1975.
Recent simulations have highlighted the risks to the bridge were larger ships permitted in that section of the Derwent River.
Instead, since 2023, Nuyina has sailed north to refuel at Burnie, adding significant costs in time and fuel.
The Tasmanian government pledged to find a solution two years ago, with options including a fuel barge or pipeline, as part of a $188m arrangement with the Commonwealth to upgrade Macquarie Wharf.
Under the deal, the state government would receive a "milestone" payment of $2 million if the Commonwealth accepts its proposed solution by July 31 this year.
During a Senate estimates hearing on Monday night, however, federal environment departmental deputy secretary Sean Sullivan said no agreement had been reached.
A 2023 report commissioned by the state government noted that 64 road tankers would be needed to fully refuel the Nuyina, with the process taking more than five days to complete.
Australian Antarctic Division (AAD) head Emma Campbell told estimates the Nuyina had previously used road tankers for shorter voyage "top-ups" but Burnie would be a faster option for major refuels.
Questioned by Senator Whish-Wilson if the road tanker proposal was acceptable, Federal Environment Minister Murray Watt said it was not.
He said the Tasmanian government had not yet delivered on a commitment to find a solution that was a condition of receiving money from the Australian government.
The Nuyina is expected to continue refuelling at Burnie for the time being.