Shall we have a poll, here’s a start…lol
Endurance
pardon me all to hell for not believing that the government of Australia would pay what I am sure is a huge sum to bring AIVIQ halfway across the planet only to be an escort for their newbuild NUYINA when they could have simply found an ice classed large tug to do the same job in a place like Singapore where both the charter rate and the delivery/redelivery would have been a small fraction of what it will cost to bring AIVIQ as far as they are. I do not believe for one second that Gary Chouest is bringing the ship there on his own dime.
Besides, tell me of another instance where the owner of a newbuild arctic or antarctic research vessel did the same? Not that I know of and besides, any vessel down in Antarctic can count on assistance from the other vessels down there which pretty much happens anywhere but especially at in polar regions. Very simple but if you get in trouble and other ships come to your aid.
SS MINNOW
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I am also an admirer of Frank Worsley and his outstanding feat of Navigation in the JAMES CAIRD. He was a part Maori New Zealander who was later recalled from the reserve list during the Second World War and was responsible for convoy arrangements if my memory serves me correctly. He finished with the rank of captain.
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While it has been a while since I visited Singapore, it didn’t really strike me as a place where they would keep a fleet of large ice-capable tugs for hire…
However, if Aiviq really has been chartered to support Nuyina’s first season, it’s pretty obvious that worldwide there simply are no large icebreakers available for charter during the northern hemisphere winter.
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Maybe assisting this one? (She is on the list)
There’s a new ship in town… HAPPY DRAGON is an ice-strengthened heavy cargo vessel that will help us resupply Casey and Davis research stations this summer. Welcome to Hobart and the Australian Antarctic Program!
With Finnish Ice Class 1A notation, these ships are extremely versatile transportation tools.
Figured that information was accurate - not one to guess and eat crow [if I can help it] posting in a public forum. But, of course, that too can be faked as part of the grand conspiracy.
For what it is worth, the Aiviq is now in Hobart, Australia to support the country’s newest Antarctic vessel, RSV Nuyina.
Brief mention near the end of this article:
Antarctic icebreaker launched in Hobart (msn.com)
Few photos of Aiviq arriving in Hobart:
http://www.shipspotting.com/gallery/photo.php?lid=3373883
This should be interesting.
I hope AIVIQ has a very successful Antarctic season.
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well I for one am astounded that Australia has decided to pay to have AIVIQ there with the NUYINA this season and must say I have never heard of any time in the past where the owner of a newbuild polar research/supply ship paid for a full time escort because they felt their new ship might need one? Especially where that escort had to come halfway across the globe to get there. Unless Mister Gary has offered some greatly discounted charter rate to Australia, having AIVIQ there will cost close to $50M (my estimate is $200k/day x 150days + delivery/redelivery). I don’t believe Gary would send the vessel down under for less unless there is an agreement that there might be a sale down the road but we shall see at the end of this season I guess?
As far as the AIVIQ proving herself in the ice, I am confident she will and there will not be the string of foolish missteps made by the master and crew this time around.
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I don’t think it say anywhere the Aiviq will be a “full time assort for the RSV Nuyina”.
She is scheduled to deliver fuel to Davis Station and for contingency. (See post #107)
She MAY be used to escort the Happy Dragon (Ice Class 1A) more than the RSV Nuyina.
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C.Captain, you and Bug make some valid points.I know nothing about day rates or anything related, they change so much. Just do know Gary is shrewd in negotiating. I do wish with the improvements since the ill fated Shell trip the vessel works out. Jones Act rig providing work after a rough start. That’s a good thing. We will see.
The New Zealand navy ship HMNZS Aotearoa will be supplying fuel and stores to Scott Base and McMurdo this season and because she is only strengthened for ice would require some escort in extreme conditions. I wouldn’t be surprised if the US taxpayer isn’t contributing some where.
That’s a good point. Aiviq, while not built for escort duty, is more suited for such operation than Nuyina.
Theres no way they’re paying 200k/ day for that thing.
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and why not? Gary Chouest is a businessman who gives nothing away to anybody. Unless there was a significant profit to be made from the charter, why would he ever sign it unless of course there might be a purchase and sale agreement with the charterer for them to buy the vessel at the end of the season once it has proven its ice breaking capabilities.
As far as $200k/day is concerned, was that not what Shell was paying Chouest? I seem to recall that number being mentioned.