Signs
of premature ageing have been found on the navy's newly acquired ex-RN RFA HMAS Choules.
As ADM has reported HMAS
Choules suffered a defect while on her way to Queensland
to support Exercise Hamel causing her to return to Sydney.
At the time of the incident
all other transformers were checked by the
transformer manufacturer (Siemens) and found to be within
specification.
Following the removal of the
two starboard side propulsion transformers, further investigation has been
possible and this has indicated signs of premature ageing.
Defence have said that a deeper
level inspection of all remaining transformers in the ship has revealed similar problems
but at varying levels.
The transformer manufacturer
is yet to confirm that this contributed to the failure of the starboard
propulsion transformer.
Work is now underway in
conjunction with the transformer manufacturer, the on-site support agencies and
Defence Science and Technology Organisation to determine when the
remaining transformers need to be replaced.
The Defence Materiel
Organisation is also contacting the UK Ministry of Defence to coordinate
further investigations.
Should HMAS Choules be further delayed in her return to
service, HMAS Tobruk and Australian Defence Vessel Ocean
Shield will provide any humanitarian assistance or disaster relief response if
required by the Government.
A deeper level inspection of all remaining transformers in the ship has revealed similar problems but at varying levels.
