The Diplomat
The Royal Australian Navy has put into service the HMAS Supply (II), the first of the two ships of the AOR (Auxiliary Oiler Replenishment) class ordered to Navantia.
Navantia and Navantia Australia yesterday sent a message of congratulations to the Australian Navy for this event, which the president of the Spanish shipping company, Ricardo Domínguez, described as “a significant milestone for all those involved” and said it was “a proud moment for Navantia’s global workforce”.
“Despite many challenges, including the Covid-19 pandemic, the Australian Government, Navantia, Navantia Australia and Spanish and Australian industry have worked collectively and collaboratively to make HMAS Supply a reality,” he added.
HMAS Supply was built at Navantia’s shipyard in Ferrol and completed at the Garden Island Naval Base in Western Australia by the end of 2020.
The Australian Ministry of Defence’s Sustainment Programme Management Office, together with Navantia Australia will work together on the maintenance of the vessels through an advanced asset management system to ensure the capabilities of the AORs during the operational phase.
Navantia Australia will act as prime contractor and will manage the life cycle support of these vessels during their first five years of service. As design authority for the Supply class, Navantia Australia also provides configuration management services as an integral part of the ships’ sustainment.
HMAS Supply (II) is the first of two Supply class supply vessels. The second of these, Stalwart (III), will arrive in Australia mid-year for final works and will be based at HMAS Stirling in Western Australia. Supply will carry fuel, cargo, water, food, ammunition, equipment and spare parts to provide operational support to the naval force and for humanitarian and emergency relief operations.
