MMHN July 2022 Update

Contents: 
(Click on the headings below for specific items, or scroll down for the full Update)
1. Global Fishing Industry – Australia’s role
2. Defence and Fishing
3. Maritime Law – History heritage and impact
4. Antarctic issues
5. Port of Hobart
6. Sea Country – capturing the culture and science of iconic fish
7. Maritime Skills and training of a different type
8. Humber Maritime Heritage Network – Beverley Barge Preservation Society
9. New face in the Maritime Sector
10. Maritime Heritage Stakeholders in Victoria – institutional envy
11. Big Ocean – yet strangely congested?
12. Australian Maritime Museum Council (AMMC)
13. Southern Ocean Live
14. Hong King Ferry Drama
15. Riverine Heritage on the Murray
16. New Melbourne Ferry Terminal
17. Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) 
18. Spanish ship-building pitch
19. Collins-class refit in trouble over stand-off with designers
20. Maritime Museums Victoria (MMV)
21. MMHN Maritime Museum of the Month – Townsville Maritime Museum
22. Maritime Experience Centre on Central Pier
23. Mission to Seafarers – stolen heritage
24. State Heritage Investment
25. Central Pier matters
26. Tide Power
27. Collins-class refit in trouble over stand-off with designers

 

1. Global Fishing Industry – Australia’s role
It is important to recognise that fishing is a critical international resource of immense economic and social value to many nations. Journalist Andrew Tillett (Australian Financial Review 20 June 2022, p.8) writes that Australia has been instrumental in shaping fishing subsidies at the World Trade Organization (WTO). After 20 years of negotiation, we recently reached a new multinational new agreement on fisheries subsidies. It has significantly enhanced the credibility of the WTO. Trade Minister Don Farrell noted that Australia had ‘pushed back’ against attempts to weaken rules on subsidies. Good news.

 

2. Defence and Fishing
A Naval presence is evidence that indicates many nations take fishing rights seriously. Journalist Geoff Chambers (The Australian 20 June 2022, p.2) writes that the UK deploys navy ships to Indo-Pacific. UK is sending two offshore patrol vessels to the Indo-Pacific Region on a five-year mission arising from the UK’s strong economic, cultural and historical ties to the region. HMS Spey and HMS Tamar will be involved in the monitoring of fishing grounds for illegal activities and the patrolling of exclusive economic zones. Click here.

Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Fiji and Timor-Lesté will combat illegal fishing and transnational crime (smuggling) enabled by an Australian $2.1 billion fleet assistance program involving Guardian-class patrol boats made by Australian ship maker Austal who will deliver 22 of the 39-metre boats by 2023 to 12 Pacific Island nations.
See more here.

 

Image: Defence Department

3. Maritime Law – History heritage and impact
Just like fishing, Maritime Law has global significance and application today but has its roots in global history. Recently two MMHN Board members, Dr Liz Rushen and Assoc Prof David Goodwin presented papers (via Zoom, of course!) at the Third Legal Histories of Empire Conference hosted by Maritime World in Legal History, at Maynooth University, Ireland. The term ‘empire’, rarely encountered these days, brings with it connotations of vast powerful and generally exploitative far-flung empires of the past. The conference focussed on the maritime world – impact, endeavours, connections, places, laws and people moving within and between empires across the globe. David Goodwin spoke on ‘How Torres Strait Shipping Shaped Queensland’s Aboriginal Protection Legislation’. Liz Rushen’s paper outlined John Marshall’s critical role in reshaping Lloyd’s Register of Shipping, which has been dubbed ‘the most influential book for the maritime world ever to be published’.

 

4. Antarctic issues
RSV Nuyuna Disappointing news for Australian Maritime enthusiasts. Matthew Denham (Weekend Australian, 9-10 July 2022, p.6) reports that having completed two successful voyages early in 2022, the new $528 million RSV Nuyuna icebreaker is unable resume its critical work after serious ‘clutch’ issues emerged during routine maintenance work in Singapore. Nuyuna was due to return to Hobart to prepare for the Australian Antarctic Division Summer Season and will require a replacement vessel to be chartered. Click here.

 

5. Port of Hobart
More disappointing news reported by Matthew Denholm (The Australian 25 July 2022, p.7). The Australian Antarctic Division chief Kim Ellis is concerned that the Port of Hobart is inadequate for the RSV Nuyina, the “centrepiece” of Australia’s Antarctic Program. Hobart’s ageing wharves are in need of major upgrades. Tasmanian Polar Network chair Richard Fader says an investment of around $120 million is needed for repairs.
The Tasmanian Polar Network (TPN) is an industry body based in Hobart linking commercial and scientific efforts in Antarctica, the subantarctic and the Southern Ocean. The TPN was formed in July 1993 by the Tasmanian Government to encourage collaboration between industry, research institutions and government in the Tasmanian Antarctic sector. It was incorporated in 1999, with its operation becoming the responsibility of elected committee members. See more here.

 

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Image, ABC website, ABC News: Andrew Cunningham

6. Sea Country – capturing the culture and science of iconic fish
This project, funded by Fisheries and Research Development Corporation (FRDC), is the first to capture cultural and scientific knowledge about the iconic fish species of the Narungga people, traditional owners of Guuranda, South Australia’s Yorke Peninsula. Funded by FRDC, it will focus on the Dusky Morwong aka ‘butterfish’. Note Narunga translates as ‘Sea Country’. The Narungga community is known as the ‘Butterfish Mob’ because Narungga men traditionally waded in the incoming tide and attracted Gynburra by stirring up sediments of sand. Project lead Gary Goldsmith writes “Narungga people have a strong relationship with Sea Country. The Narungga used to catch Gynburra as big as 1.5 m long which could feed a whole community, making them an important part of the culture’s tradition of sharing. They also used to eat the fat from the gut of the fish, to improve their resistance to respiratory diseases like colds and influenza. Gynburra can be found in seagrass beds and near rocky outcrops and feed on algae, marine worms and crustaceans. Narungga totem species include sea and land animals that are centrally important to our cultural values, connection to Country and dreamings.”
See more here.

 

Image: Narrunga men and boys taking part in a workshop making traditional spears to hunt spears gynburra fish taken and approved by Gary Goldsmith

Image: gynburral fish by Gary Goldworth

7. Maritime Skills and training of a different type
MMHN has long-advocated to the state and federal governments that action regarding maritime training is urgent. So it is pleasing to find what seems to be increased federal interest in tackling the maritime skills deficit and emerging skills in maritime industry. The Maritime Industry Outlook, published by the Maritime Industry Reference Committee (IRC), identifies the priority skill needs of industry following a research and stakeholder consultation process conducted by AIS on behalf of the IRC: i.e. an overview of industry trends, new and emerging skills and the development of Training Packages with the course content. Maritime IRC Chair Steven Moon states: As an island nation we are tied to the sea. The maritime industry is continually evolving and the demand for skills, both new and traditional, is ever increasing as new systems and technologies gain traction both onshore and at sea. A career in this sector can be stimulating, challenging and exciting and offers a great sense of pride and achievement for those with a passion for the sea. The breadth of training is predicably diverse:18 Qualifications 36 Skills Sets 189 Units of Competency.
Recently a new Maritime Training Package specifying some of these skills has been endorsed by the federal minister. Marina Operations and Vessel Traffic Services See more here.

 

8. Humber Maritime Heritage Network – Beverley Barge Preservation Society
A report from the MMHN UK connection, Dr Stefan Ramsden, University of Hull and the Blaydes Maritime Centre at the City of Hull, Yorkshire. The Beverley Barge Preservation Society (BBPS) was founded in the early 2000s to restore a former Hodgson’s tannery barge, Syntan, which had been discovered in a derelict state on a waterway in West Yorkshire. The vision was to return this barge to Beverley and to use it as a museum of the former industries and working-class communities of the Beckside area of the town. In the North of England there’s a word of Old Norse origin that also means a small stream or brook: a beck. Beck is often used to refer to a brook with a stony bed. Through the passion and dedication of volunteers, this vision for the Beverley Barge was achieved, and the BBPS now runs three barge vessels, the largest being the Syntan which operates as a museum from its berth on an inland waterway, Beverley Beck. Other BBPS barges operate for tourists. A key figure in capturing the maritime heritage in Hull Professor Howell Lloyd, a professor of History at the University of Hull, died recently. Prof. Lloyd helped found Blaydes Maritime Centre, and the Wilberforce Institute, as well as being a founding member of the Maritime History Trust and raised funds to establish the first maritime history lectureship in the UK in 1994.

 

Image: The waterways of Hull BBPS

 

9. New face in the Maritime Sector
Daryl Karp is the new director and chief executive of the Australian National Maritime Museum, Sydney. Ms Karp stands firm on the contentious discovery of the HM Bark Endeavour, which, after voyaging to Australia, was sunk by the Americans in Newport Harbour. You may wish see the video, the Americans. for more, click here and here.

 

10. Maritime Heritage Stakeholders in Victoria – institutional envy
MMHN bemoans the fact that unlike WA Victoria continues to overlook our rich maritime heritage – an under-developed public asset. Western Australian Museum is seeking to appoint a Head of Maritime Heritage whose responsibilities include provision of expert research and advice in accordance with relevant legislation, operational and strategic planning, fieldwork in marine, inter-tidal and terrestrial locations that may require boating, diving, camping and other physically demanding activities. Relevant qualifications in maritime heritage that will enable leadership lead in a range maritime heritage related work around the State, in both State and Commonwealth waters. We note that WA has a dedicated Heritage Lottery.

 

11. Big Ocean – yet strangely congested?
The ABC reports “Officials silent on latest Chinese military encounter with Australian warship” Officials refuse to comment on reports that the Chinese military has closely tracked an Australian warship through international waters”. Read the full story: ABC app “Concerns tension will lead to ‘miscalculation’ after Chinese military challenges Australian warship– close-waters interaction between Chinese and Australian warships leads experts to fear a serious incident could occur soon. Read the full story Shared from ABC app. More on this incident: “Abusing China’s restraint’: Beijing accuses Australia of provocation at sea”. Journalist Tory Shepherd (The Guardian, Online, 19 July 2022) reports Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin has accused Australian, US and Canadian navies of provocative actions in the South China Sea, saying that they must stop “abusing China’s restraint”. He was responding to questions about recent military interactions in the South China Sea, with his comments quoted in the Communist Party-owned Global Times. Although relations between China and Australia appear to have improved a little under the Albanese government, some areas of tensions remain, including over China’s militarisation in the South China Sea. Click to view full article here

 

12. Australian Maritime Museum Council (AMMC)
MMHN Board member, Hon Martin Dixon, represents MMHN on the AMMC Council’s Board. This engagement enables MMHN to exchanging information, ideas and solutions with a fantastic and diverse group of national maritime museums. Worth noting in your diaries – After COVID curtailed AMMC activities for the past two years and despite the current pandemic upsurge, an AMMC Workshop is now planned for February 2023 in Hobart in conjunction with the Wooden Boats Festival.

 

13. Southern Ocean Live
What a privilege to live on this island on in the edge of the vast Southern Ocean. Just in case you missed this astounding ABC event, MMHN urges you to take a look at “A[extended] journey into the wild and dramatic place; full of charismatic creatures. Simply splendid – but you need patience. See more here.

 

Image: ABC website

 

14. Hong King Ferry Drama
An icon in Hong Kong for 40 years, the Jumbo Floating Restaurant, an 80 metre vessel owned by Aberdeen Enterprises, recently capsized spectacularly in the South China Sea and was towed away when patronage declined in its prime (costly?) location. Apparently seaworthy, the vessel encountered “adverse conditions” when passing the Xisha Islands, aka Paracel Islands. Water entered the vessel and it began to tip and it capsized in 1000 metres of water. Click here.

 

15. Riverine Heritage on the Murray
A good news story – thanks to 12 years of hard work by dedicated volunteers! The ABC reports the historic paddle steamer PS Canally makes first voyage after 81 years since its last voyage. The PS Canally was a mere a skeleton when saved from the bottom of the Murray River. Launched in 1907, the vessel operated until 1941 when engines and other operating gear were taken out. Paddle Steamers played an immensely important role in the development and function of river towns. The PS Canally carried wool on the Murrumbidgee River and traded dried fruits between Berri and Morgan before being put to work on the construction of the lock and weir system on the Murray in the early 1920s. The Rivers and Riverboat Historical and Preservation Society raised the Canally from deep water in 1998 and restoration of the hull commenced. In 2010 the Mid Murray Council took ownership and in 2011 the vessel settled in a new home at the Port of Morgan. So good to see. See more here and here.

 

Image of the PS Canally by Ian Mannix, ABC

 

16. New Melbourne Ferry Terminal
Opposite Marvel Stadium on Harbour Esplanade, the Docklands Ferry Terminal is now open for business. Following community consultation, the ferry terminal was officially named “Yanonung” The structure is to function as a tourism hub with maps, destination brochures and information covering all regions ferries service, including Melbourne.

 

 

17. Maritime Union of Australia (MUA)
The Maritime Union of Australia is known around the country as having the strongest and most active rank and file members of any trade union. The MUA is proud of the high union density in the maritime industries. Click here for more.

 

18. Spanish ship-building pitch
The Spanish have pitched to supply Australia with three warships by the end of 2030. The federal government is being urged to overhaul a $44 billion program to buy a new fleet of British frigates after long delays to their delivery, prompting Spanish defence giant Navantia to step up its offer to supply three air warfare destroyers to fill the gap.
Navantia has been operating in Australia since 2006, and is now located in Sydney New South Wales, Docklands Victoria, Canberra ACT and in Henderson, Western Australia. See more here and here.

 

19. Collins-class refit in trouble over stand-off with designers
Journalist Cameron England (The Australian 20 June 2022, p.1) Reports that the navy and Australia’s naval shipbuilder, ASC, are involved in a $6 billion program that will extend the life of the Collins-class submarines by a decade. The submarines were designed by Swedish company SAAB, but the navy and ASC are said to be shunning SAAB so far as the refit is concerned, and have so far only given it a minor role in the refit program. Defence insiders claim that the refit program will be in doubt if SAAB is not fully involved in it.

 

20. Maritime Museums Victoria (MMV)
After two years of the pandemic, this important group of regional maritime centres met on 22 June at the Mission to Seafarers. Although MMHN has proactively promoted and supported many of the sixteen MMV members since its establishment, the collaborative relationship between MMHN and MMV has been largely informal. Some MMV organisations are individual members of MMHN. However, consistent with MMHN commitment to support all maritime endeavour in Victoria, MMHN is delighted to now announce that MMV and MMHN have now officially agreed on a reciprocal membership arrangement. MMHN will continue to staunchly advocate for, and promote, each member of MMV. We encourage all maritime organisations and maritime enthusiasts – and coastal and riverside towns – to collaborate or ‘network’ in a mutually beneficial way. See more here.

 

 

21. MMHN Maritime Museum of the Month – Townsville Maritime Museum
Recognised as in 2022 as one of the top the landmarks in Townsville, the Townsville Maritime Museum is housed in a series of re-re-located and re purposed weatherboard port buildings (1930s) including the office of the Pier Master. In 1972 it became the Port Observatory Building for the public to view port operations and this gradually evolved into the current Museum in 1986. Many maritime artefacts – beacons and the Bay Rock lighthouse (1894) – are displayed in the tropical gardens which surround the buildings. The museum affords excellent water views on Ross Creek leading into Townsville’s Cleveland Bay. The Port Building has a special association with the work of the Port of Townsville as an important part of Townsville’s history and is one of the oldest Port buildings still in existence, although not in its original location. Notably although operated by volunteers, this is an impressive museum.
Note: MMHN finds it instructive to note that it is sponsored by the Port of Townsville, Townsville Museum, City of Townsville and the Queensland state government.
See more here.

 

 

22. Maritime Experience Centre on Central Pier
Unlike the Maritime Centre wharf at Townsville, the MMHN proposal for Maritime Centre at Docklands has yet to trigger state government recognition. Given the tourism potential of the MMHN proposal, there simply could not be a more appropriate site for a new maritime infrastructure to acknowledge and celebrate Victoria’s maritime industry strength. However, MMHN remains optimistic that, in due course, the sense of the MEC proposal will become clear to our decision-makers.

 

23. Mission to Seafarers – stolen heritage
Sadly, there is still no news on the stolen Weather Vane, but its theft certainly indicates that someone recognised that value of maritime heritage! Heritage is always best when left in place. If you know of the whereabouts of this iconic item, please contact the Mission to Seafarers, or MMHN, email info@mmhn.org.au

 

 

24. State Heritage Investment
MMHN has persistently argued that maintenance of maritime infrastructure controlled by Parks Victoria, is severely under-funded. The consequence of this neglect, by State Govt. is much lost and threatened maritime heritage infrastructure. State Minister Lily D’Ambrodio responsible Parks Victoria announced in a media release on 23 June that the State Budget 2022-2023 includes a $16.5 million investment package of works over 4 years relating to 7 heritage sites including $4.5 million for “a range of urgent maintenance and repair works” on lighthouses at Wilsons Prom, Cape Schank, Cape Otway and Port Hicks. What % of this funding relates merely to operational maintenance or public safety is not specified. Fort Nepean Quarantine Station will receive $6 million for ”refurbishment, restoration” and “re-opening for public access to [currently] closed areas” .
While acknowledging that this heritage investment indicates that Minister D’Ambrosio understands the value of heritage assets, other State Ministers responsible for other maritime heritage assets have not shown this level the same level of awareness. For example, there was nothing in the State Budget addressing the decline of major maritime heritage assets in Melbourne, e.g. salvaging what remains of Central Pier, the degraded state of the Shipping Control Tower on Collins Wharf, or for preservation of the iconic Mission to Seafarers premises on north bank. A persistent problematic issue remains in Victoria, i.e. heritage assets have no consistent ministerial oversight. Awareness and support varies, and is dependent on the level of engagement or enthusiasm of relevant ministers and responsible agencies. Reform is required urgently.

 

 Wilsons Promontory Lightstation – Parks Victoria website

25. Central Pier matters
MMHN avidly follows the unfolding and mysterious sage of Central Pier – because it is a key maritime infrastructure and it is degenerating before our eyes. Journalist Brendan Rees (Docklands News, June 2022) recently reported an extended interview with Hatem Saleh, CEO of Atlantic Group. which, together with several organisations, patrons were infamously and urgently evicted from Central Pier mid-meal on August 2019. Development Victoria, acting on engineering advice, declared it “would collapse at any time”. Nearly three years later, Central Pier has not collapsed! You may wish to read further. See more here.

26. Tide Power
Alternate or new energies seem to be gaining prominence.as evidenced by the Time Magazine June issue which featured ‘The Ocean’s Issue – Water’s Untapped Power.  The sun doesn’t always shine, or the wind blow consistently but tides? Endlessly and predictably driven by the moon. The article features the tidal power producer in NOVA Innovation Scotland, which over the past 6 years has used turbines similar but smaller than wind turbines which lie beneath the surface. And are unaffected by storms – and less aesthetically intrusive. See more here.

27. Collins-class refit in trouble over stand-off with designers
Journalist Cameron England (The Australian 20 June 2022, p.1) Reports that the navy and Australia’s naval shipbuilder, ASC, are involved in a $6 billion program that will extend the life of the Collins-class submarines by a decade. The submarines were designed by Swedish company SAAB, but the navy and ASC are said to be shunning SAAB so far as the refit is concerned, and have so far only given it a minor role in the refit program. Defence insiders claim that the refit program will be in doubt if SAAB is not fully involved in it.

Image HMAS Collins Class (Navy)

 

Do keep well in these most interesting times.
Until next month,