Australia commissions first of two new Supply-class fleet replenishment vessels
The new replenishment vessel of the RAN, the HMAS Supply (II) (A 195). Photo c/o DOD. |
The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) has commissioned its first new Supply-class fleet replenishment vessel during ceremonies held on 10 April 2021 at Fleet Base East in Sydney, New South Wales.
The new ship, named HMAS Supply (A 195), is the second ship to use the same name.
The ship’s Commanding Officer, Captain Ben Hissink said the ship’s 173 crew members were proud to serve on such a strategically important new platform.
The HMAS Supply, alongside its sistership NUSHIP Stalwart which is expected to also join the RAN very soon, will provide fuel, water, food, parts, and dry cargo for replenishment of Australian and regional partner ships while underway at sea, and to aid in humanitarian and disaster relief (HADR) when called upon.
The ships are scheduled to replace the older fleet replenishment vessels HMAS Sirius and the former HMAS Success.
The HMAS Supply would begin its next phase of sea trials and integration into the RAN fleet.
The Supply-class was built by Spanish shipbuilder Navantia, and was based on the Cantabria-class supply vessels of the Spanish Navy. They are 174 meters long and displaces at around 19,500 tons.
They are powered by 2 MAN 18V 32/40 diesel engines allowing the ship to reach a maximum speed of 20 knots, and a maximum range of 6,000 nautical miles at 13 knots.
The ships would be armed with a 20mm Phalanx close-in weapon system (CIWS), two 25mm Rafael Typhoon remote weapon stations (RWS), and four manually-operated 12.7mm heavy machine guns.
[1] Australian Department of Defence
[2] Asia Pacific Defense Journal
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