An Antarctic expedition ship chartered to replace Australia's broken icebreaker has had to limp back to Hobart due to mechanical problems.
Australia's multi-million-dollar icebreaker, the RSV Nuyina, which conducts science missions and ferries scientists and supplies to Antarctica, only started service late last year.
But it is unable to sail at the moment due to mechanical problems.
The Australian Antarctic Division (AAD) says another vessel, the Happy Diamond, was chartered for a cargo mission but en route to Antarctica it broke and had to return to port in Hobart.
It returned on Tuesday to have electrical components replaced.
Preparations are now underway for it to visit the Casey, Davis and Mawson stations in December and January.
The AAD is still assessing the impact of the cancelled cargo trip, but says it is not anticipating it will delay the scheduled return of expeditioners.
"The Australian Antarctic Division is highly experienced in implementing contingency plans and adapting to the challenges posed by operating in the Antarctic environment and planning is continuing for Voyage 4," a spokesperson said.
"Antarctic flights and shipping operations are continuing with MPOV Aiviq is currently at Davis Station refuelling the station and changing over summer and winter expeditioner teams."
It is not the first time the Nuyina has run into problems.
On arrival in Tasmania after a six-week trip from the Netherlands, the icebreaker experienced motor problems.
The $528 million vessel — which is 160 metres long and able to carry 117 expeditioners — was built in Romania and completed its sea trials in the Netherlands.
It replaced the Aurora Australis, which was more than 30 years old when it was decommissioned.
