Hobart, Australia. Early morning, 29 March 2009.

IMO number : 8717283 Call Sign : VNAA Gross tonnage : 6574
Type of ship : Research Vessel Year of build : 1990 Flag : Australia

Australia's Antarctic flagship, named after the southern hemisphere atmospheric phenomenon - Aurora Australis.

Designed as a multi-purpose research and resupply ship, she was built by P&O Polar and launched in September 1989. Ninety-four metres long and 3911 tonnes in weight, the ship accommodates 116 passengers. It is capable of breaking ice up to 1.5 metres thick. Equipped with a trawl deck, purpose designed for marine science and oceanographic work. The ship is also fitted with a helipad and hangar facilities for three helicopters.