Japanese research vessel Umitaka Maru has returned to Hobart as the Tasmanian Government continues to establish new trade opportunities as part of 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future.
The vessel, which has been conducting research in Antarctic waters, arrived in Hobart with its 80-person crew on Friday 7 February to take on supplies.
Umitaka Maru is the Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology (TUMSAT) research vessel and is a regular visitor to Tasmania, having last visited in February 2024.
Premier and Minister for Trade and Major Investment, Jeremy Rockliff, said the vessel’s arrival symbolised the strong and positive relationship Australia and Tasmania shared with Japan on Antarctica and the Southern Ocean.
“The work being undertaken in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean is globally significant,” the Premier said.
“I am proud of the role Tasmania plays in key research, teaching, policy and logistics issues in this region. Tasmania welcomes Umitaka Maru and is pleased to play a role in supporting its important activities.”
Tasmania is one of only five gateways to the Antarctic, globally, and is visited by many national Antarctic programs and research collaborators.
The Tasmanian Liberal Government’s Antarctic Gateway Campaign is maximising Tasmania’s significant potential as an international Antarctic gateway.
Tasmania’s Antarctic sector contributes $183 million each year to the state’s economy and employs almost 1,000 people.
Umitaka Maru will remain in Hobart until Wednesday 12 February.
