Tasmania's importance as Australia's Antarctic gateway has once again been highlighted, as the French icebreaker L'Astrolabe made its final port call in Hobart for the 2025-26 Antarctic season.
Minister for Small Business, Trade and Consumer Affairs, Guy Barnett, will join an official reception aboard L'Astrolabe this evening, hosted by the Ambassador of France to Australia.
Minister Barnett, said the three-day visit is bringing Australian and French scientists, industry leaders, and policy experts together to explore Antarctic research, ocean governance, climate resilience, and Pacific futures.
"Tasmania is proud to serve as Australia's Antarctic gateway and to support France's Antarctic Program," Minister Barnett said.
"Hobart's port, logistics infrastructure, and world-class research institutions make our state a hub for polar science and international collaboration.
"With France's ongoing investment in Antarctic infrastructure, Tasmania is well placed to deepen its contribution to science, logistics, and international engagement.
"Visits from vessels like L'Astrolabe highlight the enduring strategic, scientific, and economic value of Tasmania's Antarctic gateway."
France has relied on Hobart as its Antarctic gateway since the 1950s. Today the Antarctic and Southern Ocean sector contributes more than $204 million to the Tasmanian economy and supports more than 1,100 local jobs.
The French Antarctic Program delivers an estimated $7 million annually, supporting local businesses through procurement, logistics, and specialist polar services.
This partnership allows Tasmanian and French researchers collaborate closely on climate, ocean, and fisheries research, strengthening global understanding of the Southern Ocean.
/Public Release. This material from the originating organization/author(s) might be of the point-in-time nature, and edited for clarity, style and length. Mirage.News does not take institutional positions or sides, and all views, positions, and conclusions expressed herein are solely those of the author(s).
