HMAS Supply - Design
Replacement Replenishment Vessels / Future Supply Ship
The size of the area over which maritime forces may have to operate, and the extended periods they may be required to remain at sea, means that resupplying our deployed ships is an essential capability. Therefore, the Government intends to replace the older of the Navy's two supply ships, HMAS Success, with a new ship which will enter service at the end of the decade [prior to 2020].
Views on the role of replenishment ships in supporting the joint force must be nested within the context of Navy’s growth in surface combatants. Replenishment ships are a force multiplier. They increase operational effectiveness of frigates, destroyers, patrol vessels and amphibious ships. Replenishment ships extend both the range and endurance of the maritime task group. Not only do these replenishment platforms align to Government’s direction for greater regional engagement and maritime operations at greater distances from Australia, but they also provide options for niche contributions to coalition operations such as those undertaken by HMAS Success and Westralia during the First Gulf War.
The White Paper of 2013 outlined the capabilities that the ADF would need in the coming years to address strategic challenges. It announced that, as part of government's commitment to delivering core ADF capabilities, the capability provided by the supply ships HMAS Sirius and HMAS Success would be replaced at the first possible opportunity. The White Paper noted: "Resupplying our deployed ships is an essential capability given the size of the area over which our naval forces operate and the extended periods they may be required to remain at sea."
At that time, the Spanish Navy vessel Cantabria was assisting Australia's afloat support requirements while HMAS Success was in refit. According to the White Paper, this operational experience, together with other information and activity, would contribute to Defence's understanding of relevant capabilities as options for the replacement ships. Defence indicated that it would examine options for local, hybrid and overseas build or the leasing of an existing vessel. The White Paper explained: "The range of procurement options will be considered by Government including the leasing of an existing vessel, the construction of an existing design, either wholly built overseas in the parent shipyard, other partial construction in both parent shipyard and Australia, as in the Landing Helicopter Dock project, or a full Australian build. A combination of options may be considered for the construction of the two vessels."
The White Paper provided a broad picture of the capability Defence intended to acquire from the purchase of the two vessels. This statement was then translated into a more concrete proposal in the Defence Capability Plan (DCP) 2012. The DCP is a 'classified and costed 10-year detailed development plan for Australia's military capabilities (including workforce requirements)'.
Assuming minimal changes are made to the Spanish design, a single new AOR will deliver 47% more aviation fuel (1530 m3), 65% more ammunition (255 tons) and 56% more general stores (470 tons) than HMAS Success– a significant improvement for the fleet. Interestingly, based on the publically available information, she will carry 27% less diesel (7080 tons) and 20% less water (200 tons), presumably this meets Navy’s need or modest changes are envisaged to improve the Australian design. The new AOR will also have capacity for two MRH90 sized helicopters, doubling the existing capacity of Success. HMAS Sirius had no helicopter capability.
To support the land force ashore, if a deep-water port is available and the sea state permits, Cantabria can crane stores ashore or into a landing craft from an amphibious ship. Helicopter resupply could also be conducted. Large volumes of fuel can be pumped ashore using Army’s bulk fuel distribution system. The primary benefits to land forces from an assured AOR fleet are: a Navy capable of greater reach and endurance with one, possibly two surface action groups supporting a campaign; enhanced support to the Canberra Class Amphibious Ships; and greater logistic support for time sensitive operations such as HADR missions.
The two Australian ships are based on the Spanish Navy's Cantabria class AORs. 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.
Some of the main limitations of any military vessel is to stay longer on the high seas or reach more distant destinations, the solution is the need to stock up on everything necessary (fuel, food, people, ammunition, etc.) in order to continue its mission. This type of vessel covers this need, as it can supply up to three ships at the same time; fuel, water, food, ammunition and other materials on the high seas. In addition, its hospital on board, its capacity to transport containers and the large volume of its tanks, among other benefits, allows this ship to carry out missions of humanitarian and health assistance to civilians in circumstances of catastrophe and environmental defense.
Navantia built the CSS Cantabria vessel for the Spanish Navy and built two very similar units for the Australian Navy. This design integrates military and civil concepts and complies with current international environmental regulations regarding the provision of double hull.
These ships are based on the vessel "Cantabria" of the Spanish Navy, adapted to Australian standards and requirements. This type of logistics ships can supply on the high seas three ships simultaneously fuel, water, food, ammunition and other materials. In addition, its capacity to transport containers and the large volume of its tanks, among other benefits, allows this ship to carry out missions of humanitarian and health assistance to civilians in circumstances of catastrophe and environmental defense.
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