More than 70 expeditioners will be in Burnie for a few days as the icebreaker RSV Nuyina refuels ready for its next trip to the frozen continent. Australia's half-billion dollar icebreaker is based in Hobart, but needs to refuel in Burnie because it is not being allowed under the Tasman Bridge to its refuelling station on the Derwent River. An Australian Antarctic Division spokesman said the vessel will refuel in Burnie before heading south to Davis station on the first voyage of the summer Antarctic shipping season. The ship will resupply the station with essential supplies and change over expeditioners before heading back to Hobart. All the expeditioners travelling to Davis will be continuing their training and expedition preparations while on board. Read more: 'Please explain' issued on new racecourse cost blowout The AAD said it hoped the refuelling stalemate could soon be resolved. "The AAD welcomes the Tasmanian Government's recent public statements that work is underway to deliver refuelling options to support Hobart's role as Australia's Antarctic gateway," he said. There are 77 expeditioners on board. The trip from Hobart to Tasmania's North-West took two days and then it will take two days to refuel once the vessel is docked. According to the TasPorts shipping schedule, the vessel is due to arrive on Sunday and leave for Antarctica on Tuesday. The RSV Nuyina is scheduled to arrive at Davis Station on November 11 and return to Hobart in early December. The ship came into service in 2021 and the refuelling refusal in Hobart meant it had to travel to Burnie - 674 kilometres away by sea before it could head south. Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: