According to a statement released by the Australian Ministry of Defense on January 8, 2021, Australian Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon Linda Reynolds CSC has announced the formal acceptance of the Auxiliary Oiler Replenishment (AOR) ship, NUSHIP Supply from Spanish shipbuilder, Navantia S.A.
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(L-R) Marine Technicians Able Seamen Greg Hallet, Cassandra Bullock, Mason Turner, Cody Martin, Yassi Coban and Leading Seaman Morse Stanton in front of NUSHIP Supply at Fleet Base West, Western Australia. (Picture source Australian Navy)
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. The two Supply class Auxiliary Oiler Replenishment are named HMA Ships Supply (II) and Stalwart (III).
NUSHIP Supply (II) is the lead ship of two Supply Class Auxiliary Oiler Replenishment (AOR) ships currently being built for the Royal Australian Navy by Spanish shipbuilder, Navantia. The Australian Supply Class ships are based on the Spanish Navy's Cantabria Class design.
The ships are intended to carry fuel, dry cargo, water, food, ammunition, equipment and spare parts to provide operational support for the deployed naval or combat forces operating far from the port on the high seas for longer periods.
In addition to replenishment, the vessels can be used to combat environmental pollution at sea, provide logistics support for the armed forces, and to support humanitarian and disaster relief (HADR) operations following a natural disaster.
The NUSHIP Supply (II) is powered by two MAN 18V 32/40 main engines and four MAN 7L21/31 generator sets. The ship can reach a top speed of 20 knots (37 km/h; 23 mph) with a cruising range of 6,000 nmi (11,000 km; 6,900 mi) at 13 knots (24 km/h; 15 mph).she has a length of 173.9m, a beam of 23.0 m a draught of 8.0m and a displacement of 19.500 tones.
Citing the naval-technology website, NUSHIP Supply is equipped with a comprehensive cargo transfer system with a dedicated cargo control center. There are five fuel at sea (FAS) stations, six replenishment at sea (RAS) stations, four 10t cargo booms, and a vertical replenishment position for two helicopters. The ship accommodates three US Navy UH-46E Sea Knight helicopters.
The NUSHIP Supply is armed with one Phalanx CIWS (Close-In Weapon System) 6-barrel 20mm automatic cannons, two 25mm Remote Weapon Station, and four 12.7mm heavy machine guns.
