BARBER TAMPA ship model
Maker
Oriental Industry Co Ltd
Date1988
Object number00008775
NameModel
MediumFibreglass, brass, varnish
DimensionsOverall: 670 x 510 x 3,050 mm, 70 kg
Storage (Storage custom wooden pallet): 73 x 3,100 x 60 cm, 100 kg
Storage (Storage custom wooden pallet): 73 x 3,100 x 60 cm, 100 kg
ClassificationsModels
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionThe container ship BARBER TAMPA is depicted in this ship model at a scale of 1:96. It has a section cut away to show the below deck storage area where containers and motor vehicles are kept. The rear loading deck is extended down and in use.HistoryBARBER TAMPA was built by Hyundai Heavy Industries Co Ltd in South Korea for Barber Blue Sea. It was one of the first of three new supercarriers built for Barber Blue Sea by Hyundai Heavy Industries. The roll-on-roll-off (ro-ro) cargo ship was constructed in 1984 and renamed TAMPA in 1989. It was owned by Wilh Wilhelmsen Ltd, currently Walleniuis Wilhelmsen of Norway.
The model shows containers belonging to NYK, CTI, Showa, HJCL, YS Line, Hyundai, Kass and K Line. The model was made in Korea where the ship was constructed.
On 27 August 2001, TAMPA responded to a communication from Australian Search and Rescue regarding a sinking fishing boat. The TAMPA's Norwegian Captain rescued 434 survivors and four Indonesian boat crew from the sinking boat and in accordance with International Regulations headed for the nearest port at Christmas Island, an Australian territory. The Australian Government refused the vessel permission to enter Australian waters. A standoff ensued, and the Australian Government commenced negotiations with the Indonesian government to return the survivors to Indonesia, who refused. On 3 September 2001, TAMPA was given permission to discharge the survivors at the Island of Naru for refugee processing. The majority of the survivors were taken to Naru, while 150 were accepted for refugee processing by New Zealand.
What became known as the 'Tampa Crisis' had a major impact on Australian politics and Australia's humanitarian reputation internationally. Politically, it has been argued that the crisis was influential in gaining public support for the Liberal Party in the lead up to the Australian Federal Election of 2001. Australia also received international criticism for its role in the crisis, particularly from Norway, who accused it of ignoring its human rights responsibilities.SignificanceThis ship model is representative of BARBER TAMPA and the role of container ships in Australian commerce during the late 20th century.
