Spanish Shipbuilder Leaves Australian Navy in Lurch
The Chief of Navy in Australia expressed disappointment over the delivery of a new supply boat, HMAS Supply, with significant defects that rendered it unusable for an extended period. Vice Admiral Mark Hammond stated during a parliamentary hearing on June 6 that the ship was still under repair due to design and delivery defects.
The only option available to the Navy was to repair the vessel with the assistance of the shipbuilder, Navantia, a Spanish firm that has accepted responsibility for covering the repair costs. However, Australia will not be compensated for the loss of capability.
The expected timeline for HMAS Supply to return to service is not until at least 2025, with the possibility of a 40-week wait for a new propeller shaft to arrive from Europe. The importance of getting the propeller shaft right the first time was emphasized during the hearing.
The ship is currently undergoing repairs at Garden Island in Sydney. HMAS Supply is classified as an Auxiliary Oiler Replenishment (AOR), designed to provide operational support to deployed naval or combat forces for extended periods away from port. The contract for two supply ships and infrastructure requirements cost taxpayers $1.3 billion.
AAP contributed to this report.
