The RSV Nuyina, as envisioned in this computer-generated imagery, is under construction in Romania.
Australia's new billion-dollar-plus icebreaker has taken to water for the first time, but the vessel is still a couple of years away from completion and reaching its Hobart home port.
Research Vessel Nuyina is just a hull at the Romanian shipyard where she is being built, but the floating is being treated as a construction milestone.
"The team have put in a tremendous effort to meet the deadline for the floating of the Nuyina and I commend them for their hard work and dedication," Mark Irwin said on behalf of building contractor Serco Australia on Monday.
Australian Associated Press
