Royal Australian Navy’s New Supply-Class AOR Sails Home For Final Fit-Out

NUSHIP Supply, the lead ship for the Royal Australian Navy (RAN)’s Supply class Auxiliary Oiler Replenishment (AOR) ships sailed away on 3 September from Navantia’s Ferrol shipyard in Spain for Australia.

Xavier Vavasseur  04 Sep 2020

Navantia press release

The occasion was marked by a small ceremony held in Ferrol attended by senior Navantia personnel, the Royal Australian Navy’s Defence Attaché in Madrid, CAPT Tim Byles and the Department of Defence’ inspection team from Teekay. COVID-19 travel restrictions prevented a larger event from taking place. Flags from both nations were presented during the ceremony.

NUSHIP Supply on her maiden voyage home. Navantia picture

Navantia’s Global President Susana de Sarría said:

“This is a proud moment for the people of Navantia and Australia who have worked directly or indirectly in making Supply a reality over many years and continues our close relationship between our two countries. The achievement of this milestone is a great credit to the people of Navantia S.A. and everyone involved with the SEA1654-3 program, particulary with the challenges presented by COVID-19. We acknowledge the efforts and contributions made by all our subcontractors, including Navantia Australia personnel, Teekay, Raytheon, SAAB, the Royal Australian Navy and the Department of Defence located not only in Ferrol, but also in Canberra and Sydney.”

NUSHIP Supply on her maiden voyage home. Navantia picture

NUSHIP Supply will arrive in Western Australia early October and will be based at HMAS Stirling where the installation and testing of the combat and communications systems, as well as some logistics areas will be completed by Australian industry.

Once in-service the AORs will operate in a joint manner with the wider maritime force and Australian Defence Force to provide operational support for the deployed naval or combat forces operating far from the port on the high seas for longer periods.