Australia’s newest warship is undergoing emergency mechanical repairs to handle “engine defects”, on the similar time the navy’s solely different provide class vessel stays out of service.
The ABC can reveal HMAS Stalwart, which was commissioned into service lower than three years in the past, has prolonged a port go to to Darwin as Defence investigates the extent of issues on board.
HMAS Stalwart is the second and last Auxiliary Oiler Replenishment (AOR) ship in-built Spain for the Royal Australian Navy, and is meant to hold gas, ammunition and different provides for deployed fight forces, in addition to offering logistics.
Last yr the ABC revealed significant mechanical problems had additionally been found on board her sister ship, HMAS Supply, which was taken to Sydney’s Garden Island naval base to be repaired beneath guarantee.Â
During a Senate estimates listening to earlier this month, senior navy figures revealed that HMAS Supply might stay out of service for an additional yr regardless of already being sidelined for 14 months.
“I do not want the committee to get the wrong idea, I am not satisfied with the availability of this ship,” Navy Chief Vice Admiral Mark Hammond mentioned when questioned concerning the AOR ship constructed by Spanish firm Navantia.
“This is a complex defect. Navantia have written to the department accepting liability, it will be repaired under warranty,” the navy chief confirmed throughout his proof on June 6.
Following questions from the ABC this week, the Defence Department has now confirmed that HMAS Stalwart, which was commissioned into service seven months after HMAS Supply in November 2021, can also be experiencing issues with its engine.
“HMAS Stalwart has extended a port visit to Darwin to investigate engine defects that emerged on passage to Darwin. The crew are supported by contractors,” a Defence spokesperson advised the ABC.
“The extent and cause of the required repairs are under investigation,” the spokesperson added.
Defence figures accustomed to the scenario declare HMAS Stalwart is experiencing “massive engineering issues” and may very well be in as “bad shape” as HMAS Supply.
“It’s having to undergo emergency repairs to allow it to limp back to its home port in Perth,” one Defence supply advised the ABC, talking on the situation of anonymity.
Spain’s Navantia is one of several international defence companies shortlisted to provide Australia’s new $7-10 billion fleet of common objective frigates for the navy.
The Spanish shipbuilder has beforehand provided the navy’s three Hobart-class air warfare destroyers, in addition to the 2 Canberra-class touchdown helicopter docks, which have additionally confronted long-running issues with their propulsion methods.
Last yr the ABC additionally revealed that sailors serving on board HMAS Supply and HMAS Stalwart were being forced to drink bottled water after a contamination drawback linked to plumbing was found on board the ships.