BAE
Systems ready for future HMAS Canberra LHD arrival
BAE
Systems Director Maritime, Bill Saltzer said preparation works were
complete and the Australian team are ready to start work on the next
phase of the construction, as soon as it arrives at Williamstown in
the next few weeks.
Mr Saltzer’s comments followed today’s announcement by the
Minister for Defence Materiel, Jason Clare, that the heavy lift ship
transporting the LHD hull from Spain, had entered Australian waters.
Artist Impression of HMAS Canberra LHD (Picture:
BAE Systems)
“In the last few months, works have proceeded
at a rapid pace as we prepare for the arrival of the first hull,”
he said.
“Construction, outfitting and consolidation of the four sections
of the superstructure is continuing in the Williamstown yard and this
includes the mast modules fabricated at the BAE Systems yard at Henderson
in Western Australia.
“Preparation works have also included a multi-million dollar upgrade
to Nelson Pier where the ship will be docked.”
“Most recently as part of the preparation for the arrival, one
of the largest permanently-based cranes in Australia has been assembled
on Nelson Pier.”
Docking
manoeuvre of LHD "CANBERRA" on board heavy sea lift ship "BLUE
MARLIN" for transport from Spain to Australia. (Video: Navantia)
Mr Saltzer said the total mass of the crane and the
counterweight is in excess of 800 tonnes. He said the combined mass
of the crane, support steelwork and the load during the first lift of
the LHD blocks would be in excess of 1500 tonnes. The first section
of superstructure to be lifted weighed approximately 300 tonnes and
would be lifted to a height of approximately 25 meters. It then needed
to be placed in exactly the right position for it to be joined to the
deck of the LHD.
“As you can image heavy lifts of this magnitude are a very
delicate operation and are weather dependent. We will need to wait for
exactly the right conditions before we proceed to ensure that the operation
is done in a safe and controlled manner.”
Mr Saltzer said that several members of the BAE Systems team who have
been stationed in Spain, along with some of the shipbuilders from Navantia
are already on site to work with the team here so that hull arrival
and berthing go smoothly.
“This is an exciting time for BAE Systems as the prime contractor
for this project. We are about to start the next phase of its construction
which will take it through to completion on Australian soil.
We are looking forward with anticipation and excitement to seeing this
amazing vessel alongside Nelson Pier in Williamstown,” he
said.
The hull, which was constructed by Spanish shipbuilder Navantia, left
Spain in mid-August.
