Antarctic icebreaker refuelling solution no closer

The vessel has instead been making a 674km trip from Hobart in Tasmania's south to Burnie in the state's northwest to refuel, adding up to $875,000 to its yearly fuel bill.

The state government is investigating a long-term refuelling solution for Hobart but won't meet a federal government deadline as part of a $188 million wharf funding deal.

"I'm not sure how long it is going to take to resolve the issue," federal environment department deputy secretary Sean Sullivan told a Senate hearing.

"We're still pursuing a longer-term solution that will allow us to refuel in Hobart."

The state government wanted to "roll trucks in" as part of an interim refuelling plan, Mr Sullivan said, a method that has been used before but only for minor top ups.

"Tasmania just hasn't delivered something that's sensible or usable for us," he said.

Australian Antarctic Division head Emma Campbell said she expects Nuyina to continue its voyages to Burnie in 2027 for the purpose of refuelling.

The Nuyina has been to Burnie three times in 2026, instead of four in previous years, at a cost of $600,000, she said.

Ms Campbell said the Tasmanian government confirmed it would not meet the mid-year deadline, on which a $2 million milestone payment hangs, and wants it pushed back.

Tasmania's government and state growth department have been contacted for comment.

Federal Environment Minister Murray Watt said the trucking plan was far from acceptable.

"We have made the point to the Tasmanian government that they made a commitment to find a workable solution as a condition of receiving a large amount of money from the Australian government," he said.

"They have not yet delivered."

Federal independent MP Andrew Wilkie said the Burnie refuelling voyages were a waste of money and time that should be spent on research.

"So it seems that the Australian Antarctic Division will be forced to continue sailing the vessel all the way to Burnie and back to refuel," he said.