Stalwart, the second Supply-class AOR on order for the RAN, is seen here arriving in Australia from Spain on 21 June. Shipbuilder Navantia announced on 8 September that the DoD in Canberra had accepted delivery of the ship following the completion of a final fit-out and sea trials. (Royal Australian Navy)
Spanish shipbuilder Navantia announced on 8 September that the Australian Department of Defence (DoD) has accepted delivery of the second and final Supply-class auxiliary oiler replenishment (AOR) ship ordered for the Royal Australian Navy (RAN).
The company's local subsidiary, Navantia Australia, said in a statement that the DoD signed the acceptance certificate for Stalwart (pennant number A304) on 30 August following two months of fit-out activities at HMAS Stirling in Western Australia, adding that the 173.9 m-long vessel has completed its final set of sea trials.
“Verifications and demonstrations of the combat, communications, and navigation systems conducted on 22 August reached a high degree of customer satisfaction in all areas,” noted the company, pointing out that the DoD's acceptance of the 19,500-tonne vessel also marks the commencement of the support contract in Western Australia.
Navantia Australia established operations in Henderson in May 2020 to provide sustainment support to Stalwart, with the company noting that it will manage support for the life cycle of both Supply-class AORs during their first five years of service, as well as throughout their warranty periods.
Launched on 30 August 2019 at Navantia's facilities in Ferrol, northwestern Spain, Stalwart arrived at Fleet Base West near Perth – its future homeport in Western Australia – on 21 June 2021.
The vessel is expected to enter RAN service later this year, replacing supply ship HMAS Sirius, which is set to be retired in December.
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