The hull of Australia’s new Antarctic icebreaker RSV Nuyina is rapidly taking shape in Damen’s Romanian shipyard. Some of the key components of the ship are currently being welded and fitted as the hull nears completion. Once the hull is complete, the dry dock will be filled with water to allow the ship to be floated out to a larger wet dock, where construction of the superstructure will begin. Nuyina is due for delivery in 2020. This 300 ton section is part of the top of the hull. At the bottom of the section are two hawse pipes through which the 275 meter-long anchor chains will run when deployed. When not deployed, the chains are stored in chain lockers behind the bell-shaped end connectors that are visible between the hawse pipes. These end connectors connect the bitter end of the anchor chain (the last link in the chain) to the ship. The bitter end link is attached to a quick release in the event of an emergency, allowing the chain and anchor to be cast from the ship. The deck above (deck 5) is the mooring deck for winches and ropes to tie the ship up in port. The deck above that contains an air chemistry lab, cargo space for dangerous goods, as well as a paint store ...