Navantia-Built AOR vessel 'Supply' intented for Royal Australian Navy starts sea trials.

Spanish shipbuilder Navantia announced that NUSHIP Supply, a new AOR (Auxiliary Oiler Replenishment) vessel for the Royal Australian Navy departed from the Ferrol shipyard to start initial sea trials.
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Rendering of NUSHIP Supply. (Picture source: Navantia)

The sea trials are set to last three days and two nights. The vessel set sails with 135 sailors onboard including shipyard and RAN personnel.

NUSHIP Supply will be heading home to Australia at the end of August. HMAS Supply was set to enter service with the Royal Australian Navy this year. It is not clear if the global health crisis delayed those plans.

The lead ship, HMAS Supply was launched at the Navantia Shipyards in Ferrol, Spain on 24 2020. Supply‘s sister ship, HMAS Stalwart, was launched by Navantia last year in August 2019. It is planned to enter service with the RAN fleet in 2022 and is currently at fitting out stage. The vessels are based on the BAC ‘Cantabria’ (A15) replenishment oiler design of the Spanish Navy.

In addition, the contract includes participation from other Australian companies such as Raytheon, Saab Australia, Scientific Management Associates (SMA), and Baker and Provan.

SPS Cantabria of the Spanish Armada in company with HMAS Success of the Royal Australian Navy off the coast of Sydney. (Picture source: Navantia)

About Auxiliary Oiler Replenishment vessels:

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.

Rendering of NUSHIP Supply. (Picture source: Navantia)

Specifications:

Displacement: 19,500 tonnes
Length 173.9 metres
Beam 23 metres
Draught 8 metres

Propulsion
2 x MAN 18V 32/40 main engines
4 x MAN 7L21/31 generator sets
Speed 20 knots (maximum)
Range 6,000nm at 13 knots

Capacities
1,450 cubic metres of JP5 jet fuel
8,200 cubic metres of marine diesel fuel
1,400 cubic metres of freshwater
270 tonnes of ammunition
470 tonnes of provisions
Aircraft 1 helicopter
Accommodation for up to 122 personnel including crew