Antarctic links with China continue to Grow

The Liberal Government is committed to helping Tasmania capitalise on our competitive advantages, including as a gateway to Antarctica.

Hobart and Tasmania is the gateway to the East Antarctic for many nations. One of the key ways in which we can grow this sector is to secure a greater role in servicing the Chinese Antarctic program.

This weekend we are welcoming the 31st Chinese Antarctic Research Expedition on the Chinese icebreaker Xue Long which will dock at Macquarie Wharf this weekend.

In such a big week for the growing relationship between China and Tasmania, it is terrific to have the Xue Long and the expedition in Hobart.

The vessel will refuel and load supplies from Tasmanian businesses including food, general supplies, fuel for ship and stations, spare parts for vehicles, scientific equipment and a Traverse Special Tractor.

The Antarctic and Southern Ocean sector is already incredibly important to Tasmania.

In 2011/12, the sector directly contributed $187 million and indirectly a further $257 million to the state’s economy. It was also responsible for generating 4,663 jobs from direct and flow-on economic activity.

The Traverse Special Tractor purchased by the Chinese expedition from William Adams, based at Berriedale, is a fantastic example of the opportunities for innovative local businesses to benefit from the Antarctic Sector.

Originally agricultural tractors, the vehicles are extensively modified by William Adams to endure Antarctic conditions.

The tractors can tolerate temperatures below 50 degrees Celsius and altitudes of more than 3,500 metres.

These large tractors weigh approximately 23 tonnes and are powered by a 550 horsepower engine. Each tractor can tow up to 100 tonnes of sleds and are valued around $600,000

William Adams sold four Traverse Special Tractors to the Polar Research Institute of China in 2007 for their inland traverse operations in Antarctica.

They have been used with great success to transport construction materials to build China’s inland station, Kunlun at Dome A, the highest point in Antarctica.

This year the Chinese have ordered a fifth tractor to support their growing Antarctic operations.

William Adams’ specialists also provide training to Chinese Antarctic mechanics for maintaining the tractors.

The Liberal Government is excited by the potential growth for the Tasmanian economy from the Chinese Antarctic program’s links with Hobart and Tasmania.
Matthew Groom, Minister for State Growth Minister for Environment, Parks and Heritage