The Lastrolabe: Crew Feedback and Vessel Data

On November 29, 2023, the icebreaker 'Astrolabe' departed from Hobart, en route to Fremantle, where it is scheduled to arrive on December 9 for essential drydocking procedures. Recent challenges related to the vessel's propulsion system prompted the need for inspection dives, revealing necessary replacements of the propulsion bearings. Once in drydock, the crew will perform additional assessments to determine if any further repairs are required. The 'Astrolabe' previously underwent repairs in Rockingham starting December 9, 2019, and resumed its journey on January 5, 2020, departing at 4 a.m. and arriving back in Hobart on January 11 at 3:30 a.m. Shortly thereafter, on January 14 at 7:45 a.m., the ship set sail once again, heading towards the South Pacific.

The French Navy has announced that the icebreaker 'L'Astrolabe' will undergo critical repairs in dry dock after a thorough assessment conducted since November 18 revealed it could no longer fulfill its mission in its current condition. The vessel is slated to depart Hobart on December 1, 2023, embarking on a five-day journey to Perth, where it is scheduled to enter dry dock on December 9. During this time, experts will evaluate the extent of the damage, perform necessary repairs, and conduct a series of tests, aiming for a return to service by December 17. In response to the vessel's technical difficulties, the Paul Emile Victor Polar Institute (IPEV) urgently reached out to the international polar community to seek alternative arrangements for its scientific bases in Antarctica. The Director of the Australian Antarctic Division extended support, highlighting the strong collaborative relationship between Australia and the French Polar Institute. The successful maintenance and refueling of research stations and ongoing French scientific projects heavily rely on this cooperation. To aid in these efforts, the Australian Antarctic Division has enlisted the 'Aurora Australis', an icebreaker from P & O Maritime Services, which is currently en route to Hobart. This vessel is chartered to support the three permanent Australian bases in Antarctica, along with the Antarctic research station. Expected to arrive in Hobart before the end of November, the 'Aurora Australis' will depart in early December after loading approximately 250 m³ of fuel and passengers who were originally to embark on the 'L'Astrolabe'. After visiting Macquarie Island, the ship will drop off the passengers at Dumont d'Urville before returning to Hobart to proceed with the refueling mission planned for the Casey Research Station later in December.

On November 18, maritime crews conducted an initial dive beneath the hull of the vessel 'L'Astrolabe' in Hobart. Originally, the ship was slated to depart the previous week for its first refueling mission to the French Antarctic research bases Dumont d'Urville and Concordia. However, complications arose due to a propulsion issue likely linked to one of its two propeller shafts, prompting the cancellation of its scheduled departure on November 14. Unfortunately, the findings from this first dive did not yield clear solutions, leading to plans for a follow-up dive on November 19. The French Navy is expected to deliver their assessment by November 21. Should the repair assessments necessitate a dry-docking for extensive repairs, the 'L'Astrolabe' might miss out on the critical second logistics rotation for the polar summer. In such a scenario, chartering an alternative vessel to facilitate the supply and repatriation of scientists could become essential.