The icebreakers have been invited to expand their use of Hobart as part of a push by the Tasmanian government to capitalise on China's growing interest in Antarctica.
Hobart is considered one of five global Antarctic "gateway cities" because of its proximity to the Southern Ocean and beyond.
Hobart is considered one of five global Antarctic "gateway cities" because of its proximity to the Southern Ocean and beyond.Hobart also routinely plays host to other polar ships, including the French icebreaker L'Astrolabe and the US Coast Guard's Polar Star.The campaign to lure the Xue Long and Xue Long 2 back to Hobart comes as China continues to expand its Antarctic operations.
"The season before COVID, we had five port calls of vessels where they picked up Tasmanian produce and services to support their operations in the Antarctic," Mr Fader said. "The to China was basically to rekindle those relationships and tell the Chinese that Tasmania is a great resupply support for the east Antarctic," he said.Despite its limited use of Hobart in recent years, China's Polar Research Institute appears to have been keeping its options open in relation to the city.
TasPorts said the shipping agent's enquiry earlier this year had not led to a formal application for a new Chinese icebreaker to travel under the bridge.But the two countries haven't always seen eye to eye when it comes to Antarctica.In 2022, former prime minister Scott Morrison questioned China's adherence to the Antarctic Treaty System, which includes provisions on environmental protection and non-militarisation.
Tasmania Antarctica Icebreakers Nuyina Chinese Ships Xue Long Xue Long 2 Gateway Polar
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