NUSHIP Stalwart departs from Spain to join Australia


According to a press release published by Navantia on May 20, 2021, the Royal Australian Navy’s second Supply Class Auxiliary Oiler Replenishment ship, NUSHIP Stalwart, departed for Australia from Pier 12 in Navantia’s Ferrol shipyard.
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Russian Vyborg Shipyard laid the Purga ice class coastguard ship of project 23550 925 001 Royal Australian Navy Auxilliary ship, NUSHIP Stalwart in Ferrol, Spain. (Picture source: Navantia)


The ‘Stalwart’ is the second of two supply vessels (AOR) built by Navantia Ferrol for the Royal Australian Navy. The ship will now navigate for 30 days towards her homeport, HMAS Sterling, in Western Australia. ‘Stalwart’ will then undergo a final fit-out where the installation and testing of the combat and communications systems, as well as some logistics areas, will be completed by Australian industry.

The Australian ambassador to Spain, Her Excellency Ms Sophia McIntyre, participated in the farewell to NUSHIP ‘Stalwart’, together with the president of Navantia, Mr Ricardo Domínguez and the director of the Ferrol shipyard, Mr Eduardo Dobarro.

The president of Navantia especially recognized the efforts of the workers and highlighted the importance of the next program for the Spanish Navy in which the shipyard is already embarked, the frigate F-110, which will be a lever for growth and employment.

After the speeches, the rope launching maneuver was carried out and the anthems of Australia and Spain were interpreted with the last one.

The contract for two AOR vessels was the fourth signed between Navantia and the Commonwealth of Australia, after the construction of two LHDs and its 12 landing crafts and the design and transfer of technology for three AWD destroyers.

This contract for the two AOR vessels also includes their sustainment, for which Navantia Australia is developing an advanced asset management model to support the life cycle during the first five years. Likewise, it will also require an important participation of the Australian industry that will be responsible for the installation and testing of elements of the combat and communications systems, as well as some logistic areas. After completing these works, the ship will be delivered to the Commonwealth of Australia on August 31.

Australia is a strategic client for Navantia. When the second AOR is operational, the Royal Australian Navy will have in service 19 naval units designed by Navantia. In addition to supporting the life cycle of AOR vessels, Navantia Australia is involved the support of all other units.

NUSHIP Stalwart (III) is the second and final Supply Class Auxiliary Oiler Replenishment (AOR) ship 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 against environmental pollution at sea, provide logistics support for the armed forces, and to support humanitarian and disaster relief (HADR) operations following a natural disaster.

NUSHIP Stalwart was laid down on 25 November 2018 at the Navantia Shipyards in Ferrol, Spain.

NUSHIP Stalwart is the third Royal Australian Navy ship to bear the name after the S Class destroyer, HMAS Stalwart (I) and the single class destroyer tender, HMAS Stalwart (II).