A long-term solution to the multi-million-dollar refuelling saga involving Australia's Antarctic icebreaker and scientific research vessel appears no closer.
Since 2023, the Nuyina has been prevented from passing under the Tasman Bridge to reach a fuel depot in its home in Hobart because of safety concerns.
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.
