Australias ponders amphib ship design

Spanish shipbuilder Navantia is rapidly progressing the construction of its new generation amphibious ship that will be considered by the Federal Government as part of the A$2 billion amphibious ships project.

Defence Minister Robert Hill visited Navantia’s shipyards at Ferrol and Fene on the north west coast of Spain and was pleased with the good progress being made building the first Spanish amphibious ship, which is on track to be considered as one of two design options to provide the Australian Defence Force with a new world class capability to deploy land forces on operations.

Last month the Federal Government approved the first stage of the project and committed $29.8 million towards the Design and Development Phase. Navantia is now working on defining the requirements for the ships, incorporating the necessary Australian environmental, safety and technical requirements.

Next yea, Australian shipbuilders will be invited to tender for either or both of two designs, which consists of the Spanish Navantia BPE ship and the French Armaris Mistral ship. The 27,000 tonne Spanish ship has a greater carrying capacity than the 22,000 tonne French Armaris ship although, unlike the Spanish ship, the French ship has already been built and is undertaking its final tests with the French Navy. The ship builder will be chosen following a thorough financial and technical comparison between Australian bids and overseas build options.

The two new amphibious ships to be built for the ADF will be used on missions such as combat operations, regional disaster relief, humanitarian aid, peacekeeping and peace monitoring, and assistance to policing or military operations. The preference is for each ship to be able to transport up to 1000 personnel, have six helicopter landing spots and provision for a mix of troop lift and armed reconnaissance helicopters. It will also be able to transport up to 150 vehicles including the new M1A1 Abrams tanks and armoured vehicles and will also be equipped with medical facilities, including two operating theatres.

The Government’s preference is to see the ships built in Australia, however Australian industry will need to demonstrate it can deliver the project at a competitive price.