Icebreaker JS Shirase Port Call to Fremantle
2026/4/10
The Icebreaker JS Shirase made three port calls to Fremantle Port during the 67th Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition, hosting various exchange activities each time. The Shirase was greeted and farewelled warmly each time by local supporters who gathered to wave Japanese and Australian flags from the shore!
This port call is symbolic of the long-standing friendship and exchange between our two countries, and is also proof of the solidarity of the Japanese people living in the Western Australian community. We sincerely wish the Shirase crew a safe voyage and look forward to seeing them at their next visit to Fremantle.
This port call is symbolic of the long-standing friendship and exchange between our two countries, and is also proof of the solidarity of the Japanese people living in the Western Australian community. We sincerely wish the Shirase crew a safe voyage and look forward to seeing them at their next visit to Fremantle.
1. Wreath-laying at the Fremantle War Memorial (December 5, 2025)
Captain Tsuyoshi Iwase, Commanding Officer Shirase, Captain Ken Burleigh ADC RAN, Commanding Officer HMAS Stirling, His Worship the Mayor of Fremantle, Mr Ben Lawver, Ms Jane Inglis, representing RSLWA, and Captain Tatsuro Nakanishi, Naval Attaché to the Embassy of Japan in Canberra visited the Fremantle War Memorial to lay a wreath.
Captain Tsuyoshi Iwase, Commanding Officer Shirase, Captain Ken Burleigh ADC RAN, Commanding Officer HMAS Stirling, His Worship the Mayor of Fremantle, Mr Ben Lawver, Ms Jane Inglis, representing RSLWA, and Captain Tatsuro Nakanishi, Naval Attaché to the Embassy of Japan in Canberra visited the Fremantle War Memorial to lay a wreath.
2. Special Opening for Japanese School in Perth and Fremantle College (February 24), and Weekend Japanese School(April 4)
The Shirase made a special opening to host tours for students from the Japanese School in Perth, students from the Marine Studies course at Fremantle College, and students from the Weekend Japanese School in Perth. The students were given a tour of various parts of the ship, including the bridge, medical room, and helicopters.
The Shirase made a special opening to host tours for students from the Japanese School in Perth, students from the Marine Studies course at Fremantle College, and students from the Weekend Japanese School in Perth. The students were given a tour of various parts of the ship, including the bridge, medical room, and helicopters.
3. On Board Reception (April 7)
A Reception was held on board the Shirase, attended by Acting Consul-General Hasegawa, the Hon Andrew O'Donnell MLC, Basil Zempilas MLA, and many other people from the Japan-related community here in Western Australia. Many attendees commented that the Shirase has become a symbol of the friendship and exchange between Japan and Australia through many years of exchange.
The Icebreaker JS Shirase has been engaged in Antarctic research for many years, playing an important role in global environmental research.
A Reception was held on board the Shirase, attended by Acting Consul-General Hasegawa, the Hon Andrew O'Donnell MLC, Basil Zempilas MLA, and many other people from the Japan-related community here in Western Australia. Many attendees commented that the Shirase has become a symbol of the friendship and exchange between Japan and Australia through many years of exchange.
The Icebreaker JS Shirase has been engaged in Antarctic research for many years, playing an important role in global environmental research.