Icebreaker JS Shirase call to Fremantle Ports
2025/4/10
The Japanese Icebreaker Shirase docked in Fremantle Ports while undertaking the 66th Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition, participating in the following events. When entering and leaving port, local Japanese residents gathered at the shore of Fremantle Ports to wave Japanese and Australian flags to welcome and see off the vessel. The Shirase's call to port is a symbol of the friendship and exchange between Japan and Australia, uniting the Japanese community as we pray for its safe voyage and return to Fremantle.
(1) Wreath laying at the Fremantle War Memorial (5 December, 2024)
Then-Consul-General Naito joined JS Shirase Commanding Officer Captain Saito, HMAS Stirling Commanding Officer Captain Ken Burleigh ADC RAN and Deputy Mayor of Fremantle Cr Jenny Archibald in laying wreathes at the Fremantle War Memorial.
Then-Consul-General Naito joined JS Shirase Commanding Officer Captain Saito, HMAS Stirling Commanding Officer Captain Ken Burleigh ADC RAN and Deputy Mayor of Fremantle Cr Jenny Archibald in laying wreathes at the Fremantle War Memorial.
(2) Visit by the Japanese School in Perth and Fremantle College (February 25, 2025)
Students from the Japanese School in Perth and marine studies students from Fremantle College had the opportunity to go aboard the Shirase, touring various areas of the vessel including the bridge, infirmary and helicopter.
Students from the Japanese School in Perth and marine studies students from Fremantle College had the opportunity to go aboard the Shirase, touring various areas of the vessel including the bridge, infirmary and helicopter.
(3) Welcome event by the Japan Club of WA, Japanese Association of WA and the Consulate-General of Japan in Perth (February 25, 2025)
A welcome event was held the Consul-General’s Official Residence, where Shirase crew and members of the local community gathered and delivered a presentation about the Icebreaker.
A welcome event was held the Consul-General’s Official Residence, where Shirase crew and members of the local community gathered and delivered a presentation about the Icebreaker.
(4) Onboard Reception (April 4)
Commanding Officer of JS Shirase Captain Saito, Chief Scientist of the 66th Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition Dr Harada, and Acting Consul-General Hasegawa co-hosted an onboard reception joined by Mr Shane Love MLA, Leader of the WA Nationals, the Hon David Johnston, former Minister of Defence, Commodore Ivan Ingham AM, RAN, Senior Officer Western Australia, as well as members of the Australia-Japan community. During his opening remarks, Acting Consul-General Hasegawa emphasised the importance of the Shirase’s Antarctic observation as a measure the global environment, which would not be possible without the cooperation of Australia, and his hopes the friendly relationship between Japan and Australia will deepen further. Read his remarks here.
Many guests remarked that in Shirase’s many years of exchange activities, it has become a symbol of friendship and exchange between Japan and Australia.
Commanding Officer of JS Shirase Captain Saito, Chief Scientist of the 66th Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition Dr Harada, and Acting Consul-General Hasegawa co-hosted an onboard reception joined by Mr Shane Love MLA, Leader of the WA Nationals, the Hon David Johnston, former Minister of Defence, Commodore Ivan Ingham AM, RAN, Senior Officer Western Australia, as well as members of the Australia-Japan community. During his opening remarks, Acting Consul-General Hasegawa emphasised the importance of the Shirase’s Antarctic observation as a measure the global environment, which would not be possible without the cooperation of Australia, and his hopes the friendly relationship between Japan and Australia will deepen further. Read his remarks here.
Many guests remarked that in Shirase’s many years of exchange activities, it has become a symbol of friendship and exchange between Japan and Australia.