Hobart aims to become Antarctic gateway with fuel barge plan
The Port of Hobart in investigating a fuel barge as a way of attracting new Antarctic players.
The investment could make the city an option for overseas science programs, particularly from China.
Australia has been at the forefront of Antarctic research for years, with Tasmania's capital the hub.
A recent Senate inquiry into the country's future in the Antarctic, heard about the potential for other countries to invest in Hobart as a base.
The former head of the Australian Antarctic Division, Tony Press, spoke about China's increasing investment.
He outlined three ways that Hobart could attract Chinese investment, linking the expansion of Hobart's airport to China and Antarctica, a strong scientific community and good ports.
But he was not sold on the latter.
"Hobart's ports are competitive... just," he said.
Dr Press is the author of the yet-to-be-released 20 Year Australian Antarctic Strategic Plan.
TasPorts looks into barge south of Tasman Bridge
The ABC has been told TasPorts is investigating the potential of the barge south of the Tasman Bridge.
It would eliminate the need for ships to travel under the bridge to Self's Point to refuel, which can be a slow and inefficient process.
In a statement, TasPorts said it was working collaboratively with "key stakeholders within the Antarctic industry" and was keen to further position Hobart "as a key gateway to the Southern Ocean and Antarctic".
Stephen Hurd, from the Australian Maritime College, said it would have big benefits.
"The major benefits are both to the port and to the ship, are the reduction in time and the reduction in costs, he said.
Speaking from England, the TasPolar Network's John Brennen agreed.
"That would make the refuelling of ships much more efficient in time and cost terms," he said.
"Generally, I don't think people actually understand how important the Antarctic and Southern Ocean science research logistics sector is for Tasmania.
"It's a huge opportunity for Tasmania and the claim to all the benefits that we offer."
Hobart's main competitors in attracting Antarctic investment are Fremantle and New Zealand.
