Defence’s contract with Spain’s Navantia has reached a major milestone with Ship Acceptance of the RAN's first Supply-class vessel, NUSHIP Supply.
“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 RAN’s first Supply-class vessel Nuship Supply, based on the Spanish Cantabria design,” Minister for Defence Linda Reynolds said.
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.
NUSHIP Stalwart is expected to enter service in late 2021.
The Australian Government signed contracts with Navantia S.A to build Australia’s two replacement auxiliary oiler replenishment (AOR) 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.
NUSHIP Supply is expected to sail into her homeport of Sydney next week.