NUSHIP Supply heads for commissioning

The Royal Australian Navy’s first Supply-class auxiliary oilier replenishment (AOR) NUSHIP Supply has been formally accepted from Spanish shipbuilder Navantia.

CAPTION: Marine Technicians Able Seamen Greg Hallet, Cassandra Bullock, Mason Turner, Cody Martin, Yassi Coban and Leading Seaman Morse Stanton in front of NUSHIP Supply at Fleet Base West, Western Australia. Photo by Leading Seaman Ronnie Baltoft. 
The junior marine technicians were among 10 who progressed their trade competency journals and obtained their qualifications before NUSHIP Supply commissions – an important milestone that sets up the ships marine engineering department for a head start in reaching operational certification.

Minister for Defence Linda Reynolds said, despite the impacts of COVID-19, the Australian government has worked with the prime and sub-contractors to innovate and implement solutions to deliver the Royal Australian Navy’s first Supply-class vessel, based on the Spanish Cantabria design.

“With Australia’s current replenishment capability reaching its end of life in 2021, NUSHIP Supply will be the first AOR to replace the retired HMAS Success and bridge Navy’s current capability gap,” Minister Reynolds said.

The Australian government signed contracts with Navantia to build Australia’s two replacement auxiliary oiler replenishment ships in May 2016.

NUSHIP Supply was launched in Ferrol, Spain, in November 2018 and arrived at HMAS Stirling, Garden Island Fleet Base West, Western Australia, on 2 October 2020 for final fit out and testing activities.

Minister Reynolds said Australian industry benefited from more than $130 million spent on  the ship’s fit out in Australia.

NUSHIP Supply is expected to sail into her homeport of Sydney next week.

NUSHIP Stalwart will be Australia’s second AOR when it comes on line.

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