The Antarctic Sector: Get Involved
As Australia’s Antarctic gateway, Tasmania has a vibrant Antarctic and Southern Ocean sector, supporting over 1,100 jobs and contributing more than $204 million to the state’s economy each year.
The Tasmanian Government is committed to growing this industry through initiatives such as the Antarctic Gateway Campaign, with $1.4 million invested to attract visitors, strengthen international partnerships, and create new investment opportunities for Tasmanian businesses.
You do not need to be a scientist or expeditioner to be involved in the Antarctic sector. Supporting Antarctic programs requires a wide range of skills, services, and supplies from highly specialised maritime and logistics support to everyday items used by people living and working in Antarctica.
Many nations operate their Antarctic logistics through Hobart with visiting research and supply vessels and the transfer of personnel by ship and aircraft. These programs regularly source goods and services from local businesses.
Tasmanian businesses throughout the state already contribute across a wide range of areas including engineering, manufacturing, food supply, logistics, technology, and professional services. The Antarctic community also relies on everyday products and supplies from consumables and medical equipment to cold-weather clothing, boots and other essential items, all of which must be sourced and delivered to some of the most remote locations on Earth.
Opportunities also arise through international research conferences, science events, and Antarctic tourism which bring visitors from around the world to Tasmania. Our state also has a rich Antarctic heritage that visitors can experience and explore.
Whether you are a designer, hospitality operator, food producer, manufacturer, logistics provider, technology specialist, or professional services firm, there may be opportunities for your business in Tasmania's Antarctic and Southern Ocean sector.
Ways you can get involved in the sector
- Join the Tasmanian Polar Network, the peak industry body in the Antarctic and Southern Ocean sector
The Tasmanian Polar Network connects your business with Antarctic and Southern Ocean operators, researchers, and agencies actively seeking local suppliers and partners. To learn more, you can visit the Tasmanian Polar Network.
- Check for tenders
Research organisations in the Antarctic and Southern Ocean sector such as the Australian Antarctic Division and CSIRO advertise for services on AusTender.
- Contact Antarctic Tasmania
Contact our team for a briefing on current opportunities in the sector, by emailing us at antarctic@stategrowth.tas.gov.au.
Case study: Penguin Composites
Established in 1976, Penguin Composites is a leading composite manufacturer based in Penguin, Tasmania, specialising in composite design and prototyping, bespoke part assembly, and advanced manufacturing.
With more than 35 staff, Penguin Composites produces high-quality composite components for a wide range of industries, including industrial, commercial, marine and recreational vehicle markets.
As part of their suite of expertise, Penguin Composites manufactures fibreglass composite igloos and snow camper sledges, designed to be readily portable for fieldwork in polar regions, and which have been used by over 60 institutes and individuals in 20 countries.
Penguin Composites has developed the “PolyPod Snow Camper”, a towable lightweight field shelter. A PolyPod Snow Camper was delivered to the Ponant Expeditions vessel Commandant Charcot in February 2026 – the first of a new medical support design to be loaded for use in Antarctica.
