CSIRO sheds light on new Antarctic research ship's power problems
A senior CSIRO bureaucrat has explained more details about a power-supply issue that has dogged its new multi-million dollar research ship, the RV Investigator.
Last month the ABC revealed the RV Investigator was unable to access shore power in Hobart and was having to generate power from the ship's engines while in dock.
The ship had to be moved from its home berth at the CSIRO's dock at Princes Wharf because residents in nearby Battery Point and Salamanca had complained about the noise the engines were making.
Dr Andrew Johnson, executive director of environment at the CSIRO, today told the Economics Legislation Committee the power issue stemmed from power source differences between Australia and Singapore, where the ship was built.
"Australia has a particular set of specifications for the way in which it supplies its power to all consumers, not just to those in the maritime industry," Dr Johnson said.
"We made very clear to the contractor about what the onshore power requirements were as part of our statement of functional specifications.
"Whilst the vessel was in the shipyard in Singapore there was a different set of power specifications there and we've been in active discussions with the contractor for some time now about ensuring the power supply that the vessel can use in an ongoing basis is compatible with Australian power conditions."
The contract to build the $120 million vessel was let to joint Australian and Canadian companies TeeKay Australia and RALion who then partnered with Singapore shipyard Sembawang Pte Ltd.
The ship arrived in Hobart 11 months behind schedule
The Investigator replaced the previous research ship, the Southern Surveyor.
Dr Johnson could not confirm whether the problem could be fixed before the welcome to port ceremony planned for next month.
More funding sought
Dr Johnson also told senate estimates the CSIRO is seeking external funding so the RV Investigator can stay at sea longer.
The flagship vessel only has enough funding from the Federal Government to stay at sea for 180 days, but it has the on-board capacity to be at sea for 300 days.
Dr Johnson told Labor Senator Kim Carr the organisation is in talks with a number of bodies.
"We're in very active discussions with the Government, private sector, universities and indeed other countries as to how we will bridge that gap between the available 300 days and the currently [funded] 180 days," he said.
Senator Carr sought to clarify the statement.
"So let me decipher what you've said, are you trying to get additional money from other sources?" he said.
"Correct," Dr Johnson responded.
