Auxiliary Oiler Replenishment (AOR)

Australia’s supply ship HMAS Sirius was replaced with a single class of double-hulled, Auxiliary Oiler Replenishment (AOR) ship to be built by Spanish shipbuilder, Navantia. 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.

Two Supply Class Auxiliary Oiler Replenishment will be named HMA Ships Supply (II) and Stalwart (III). The lead ship, HMAS Supply (II), was launched at the Navantia Shipyards in Ferrol, Spain on 24 November 2018. The following day, in accordance with ship building tradition the Chief of Navy, VADM Michael Noonan, positioned a coin under where the hull will be constructed for Stalwart.

On 2 October 2020, NUSHIP Supply arrived at Fleet Base West, Western Australia for final fit out and testing activities, and Commissioned in Sydney as HMAS Supply (II) on 10 April 2021.

HMAS Stalwart (III) Commissioned at Fleet Base West, WA on 13 November 2021.

NUSHIP Supply arrives at her home port for the first time, at Fleet Base East, Sydney, New South Wales.