The Coalition would send a Customs patrol ship south to quell tempers in the Antarctic whaling conflict, staking ground clear of Labor ahead of the federal election.

Shadow environment minister Greg Hunt said both the Japanese and protesters had said an Australian presence in the Southern Ocean would act as a calming influence.

This year there were multiple collisions between activist and whaling ships. Credit: AFP PHOTO/ INSTITUTE OF CETACEAN RESEARCH

"There is an entire division of Customs meant to be conducting Southern Ocean patrols," Mr Hunt told Fairfax Media on Tuesday.

"We would make sure it is operational down there during the whaling season.