Tasmanian made Antarctic equipment supporting Korean polar research missions

The bright red South Korean Antarctic icebreaker RV Araon has arrived in Hobart to take on new state-of-the art locally made heavy transport equipment.

Today (Thursday, 16 November 2017) the Tasmanian designed and made traverse caravans and sledges to be used by the Korean Antarctic program for deep field science programs will be loaded aboard in time for the first voyage of the 2017-18 season.

The caravans and sledges are designed to be towed across the ice as accommodation and supply support for scientists when on research missions in the harsh Antarctic conditions.

Chair of the Tasmanian Polar Network, Richard Fader, said that Travtech, a Tasmanian engineering and design company with decades of experience in international Antarctic programs, has designed and developed the caravans for the Korean Antarctic program.

“Travtech worked with three other Tasmanian businesses to manufacture the final product; well known maritime company Taylor Bros, fibreglass manufactures Penguin Composites and Triabunna-based Elphinstone Engineering,” Mr Fader said.

All four are members of the Tasmanian Polar Network, a highly successful industry association with over 70 members from Tasmania’s Antarctic community.

Travtech Managing Director, Peter Fewkes, said that Tasmanian companies have decades of experience in developing innovative products specifically for harsh polar conditions.

“Traverse equipment, including tractors, sleds and accommodation units are one example of Tasmanian manufacturing expertise in this niche field,” Mr Fewkes said.

“Specialised polar products and services made and supplied from Tasmania have been sold to Australian and international Antarctic programs for many years,” he said.

For more information on the Tasmanian Polar Network go to www.tasmanianpolarnetwork.com.au
Richard Fader, Chair, Tasmanian Polar Network