Breaking the Ice: Antarctic and Southern Ocean Opportunities Forum
Description
Antarctica and the Southern Ocean are entering a period of significant investment and growth.
Join industry, government and research leaders to explore emerging opportunities, procurement pathways and the capabilities needed to succeed in this rapidly evolving sector.
Featuring guest keynote speaker Patrice Godon, former Director of the French Polar Institute (IPEV)* who has an enduring connection to our Tasmanian Antarctic Gateway, the forum will provide firsthand insights into global Antarctic priorities, future projects and where opportunities are emerging for Tasmanian businesses.
Attendees will also hear the latest market intelligence from Geografia and gain practical advice on how to position their organisation for future work.
*The French have been visiting Hobart on their way south to Antarctica since 1948!
Lineup
Patrice Godon
Patrice Godon is one of the Antarctic sector’s most experienced logistics and engineering specialists, with more than four decades of involvement in French polar operations. A mechanical engineer by training, he spent 37 years with the French Polar Institute Paul-Émile Victor (IPEV), including many years leading Antarctic logistics, infrastructure and traverse operations across French stations in Antarctica. During his career, Patrice played a key role in the development of the Franco-Italian Concordia Station and the establishment of long-distance Antarctic traverse systems. Now operating through Patrice Godon Polar Engineering, he provides specialist advice on polar logistics, infrastructure, equipment design and operations, drawing on more than 15 years of cumulative field experience in Antarctica. He is widely recognised for his contribution to international Antarctic programs and was awarded the COMNAP President’s Medal for his outstanding service to Antarctic operations.
Graeme Elphinstone
Graeme Elphinstone is the founder of Tasmania’s Elphinstone Engineering and a pioneer in specialist equipment for Antarctic operations. Since 1985, he has helped design and manufacture traverse sleds, snow graders, recovery systems and transport equipment built for extreme polar conditions. Graeme’s expertise is grounded in firsthand experience, having completed four Antarctic traverses with French expedition teams, including journeys towards Dome C. That field knowledge has shaped an engineering philosophy centred on reliability, simplicity, efficient transport and ease of repair in remote environments. Nearly five decades after founding Elphinstone Engineering, Graeme remains involved in developing practical solutions for demanding Antarctic logistics.
Dr Shashi Karunanethy
Dr Shashi Karunanethy is Chief Economist at Geografia and a leading economist specialising in regional development, industry growth, spatial economics and strategic policy. Holding a PhD in Economics from the University of Melbourne, Shashi has advised governments, businesses and industry organisations across Australia on economic development, infrastructure, workforce planning and emerging market opportunities. Shashi recently led Geografia’s market analysis of Tasmania’s Antarctic and Southern Ocean sector for the Tasmanian Polar Network. The study examined the sector’s economic contribution, market opportunities and future growth potential, providing a contemporary evidence base to inform industry development and strengthen Tasmania’s role as a globally significant Antarctic and Southern Ocean gateway. His work offers valuable insights for businesses seeking to understand and engage with this evolving sector.
Richard Fader
Richard Fader is a highly respected Tasmanian business leader and company director with decades of experience across the maritime, shipping, offshore, Antarctic and Southern Ocean sectors. As Managing Director of Tasmanian Shipping Supplies, he has played a key role in supporting Antarctic, research, commercial and government vessels through the provision of specialised logistics, procurement and marine support services. He also serves as a Director of Offshore Unlimited and Marine and Safety Tasmania (MAST), bringing extensive expertise in vessel operations, marine safety, governance and stakeholder engagement. Richard has been a long-standing contributor to Tasmania’s Antarctic and Southern Ocean community, including serving as Chair of the Tasmanian Polar Network. Throughout his career, he has championed Tasmania’s position as a leading international gateway to Antarctica, working closely with government, research organisations and industry to strengthen opportunities for Tasmanian businesses in the sector. His deep understanding of Antarctic logistics, maritime operations and supply chains provides valuable insight into the challenges and opportunities shaping the region’s future.
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