Antarctic Research Vessel Trailer

Triabunna-based Elphinstone Engineering delivers an application engineered multi-purpose boat trailer for the Australian Antarctic Division (AAD). The purpose-built trailer accommodates the AAD’s science tender, the ‘Mini Nuyina’. 

Key Design Features;

• Over the road, transportable
• Mobile dry dock
• Mobile storage
• Dual king-pin position

Commissioned by the Australian Antarctic Division (AAD), the Elphinstone Engineering delivered an application-specific innovation with the creation of a multi-purpose trailer designed to transport and support the science tender, the Mini Nuyina.

The unique boat trailer features an extra low load-bearing chassis to enable the vessel to sit under 4.6-meters, making it capable of over-the-road transport. The wide-spread axle group provides optimal weight distribution and allows access to the scientific ‘moon pool’ hatch in the boat’s base for servicing. The trailer bearing pads are in the same position as those on Australia’s Antarctic Icebreaker RSV Nuyina. Dual king-pin positions in the trailer gooseneck allow the trailer to be towed by standard road-going trucks when the vessel needs to be transported by road in Australia and around the base station by a 518 CAT Skidder tractor in Antarctica.

For almost four decades Elphinstone Engineering has supplied specially designed transport equipment to Antarctica. Not surprisingly, demand for their low-maintenance, durable over-the-snow transport equipment is in extremely high demand. In fact, more than 60 per cent of the transport sled trailers on the frozen Antarctic continent proudly display the Elphinstone monogram.

Main Challenge

One of the main challenges for the Elphinstone Engineering team with this project was to get the boat to fit on the trailer and meet road-going transport regulations that did not require additional over-dimension transport permits.

BPW 17.5-inch NH series axles with underslung brakes were specified to get the overall trailer height as low as possible. In addition, this axle allows the fitment of standard 10-stud 225mm PCD wheels.

Another critical design requirement was to provide access to the ‘moon pool’ hatch at the base of the hull.

The ‘moon pool’ historically is a term attributed to marine drilling platforms and drillships. However, more recently, it is now becoming a standard fitment for marine research and underwater exploration vessels. The ‘moon pool’ is essentially an opening in the base of the hull attached to a chamber that provides access to the water below. The opening allows researchers on board the vessel to lower tools and instruments into the sea. Furthermore, it provides shelter and protection so that even if the boat is in high seas or surrounded by ice, researchers can work comfortably rather than out on a deck exposed to the elements.

“The solution our engineers developed delivers several benefits for the AAD,” Graeme explained. “We spread the tandem axle spacing wider, which provided optimal axle weight distribution and enhanced the ride for the boat on rough roads. But importantly, it allowed wide interrupted access to the ‘moon pool’ hatch for service work.”

The trailer’s mounting pad location points correspond with the mounting location on the RSV Nuyina when the vessel gets stowed on the ship, similar to how a lifeboat is stored.

“We’ve utilised Teflon pads from one of our logging trailers,” Graeme said. “These pads are durable, hard-wearing and easily replaced when needed.

Because the V-shaped bow protrudes right up into the trailer’s gooseneck, there is no room for the traditional drive shaft from one landing leg to the other. Consequently, each landing leg has its own handle.

The forward load restraint doubles as the boat’s locator to ensure the ship sits in the same position each time it is loaded.

RSV Nuyina Mother Ship

Occasionally the AAD may require the trailer to work in Antarctica to house the boat while conducting research in the area, and the RSV Nuyina mother ship is away on other duties. Therefore, to facilitate ease of transportation around the Antarctic base, the road-going skid plate is removed, exposing an additional hitch to enable the trailer’s coupling to a tracked Antarctic tractor.

Yet, for Australia’s Antarctic Program having the services of Elphinstone Engineering right on their doorstep is a significant benefit. “We’re only an hour and a half drive from the AAD headquarters in Kingston,” Graeme said. “But we design and manufacture a wide range of equipment for other countries with bases and operations in Antarctica as well as the Australian operations.”

This boat trailer indeed showcases the ability of local Australian manufacturing to economically engineer and build specialised, high-quality equipment to world-class standards.

Trailer Specifications:

Model:                                    Scientific 10M Vessel Transport Trailer

Axles:                                     BPW NH 17.5 120mm Square

Brakes:                                  Underslung Drum

Wheels:                                 17.5 inch 10-stud 225PCD

Suspension:                          BPW AU/-D30K
Landing Gear:                       Jost

Lights:                                    Hella LED
Kingpin:                                 50mm Removeable