HMAS

Leeuwin

HMAS Leeuwin and and her sister ship HMAS Melville replaced HMA Ships Moresby (II) and Flinders in 2000. Both ships took their names from prominent points on the Australian coast. Leeuwin was named after Cape Leeuwin, on the south western tip of Western Australia. HMAS Leeuwin was launched midway through 1997. The ships were built by NQEA in Cairns, North Queensland.

Leeuwin and Melville enabled the Australian Hydrographic Service to gather high quality hydrographic information at a much greater rate than the ships they replaced. The ships were 71 metres long, with a beam of 15 metres, and a draught of 4.3 metres. Each ship displaced 2550 tonnes and was crewed by 46 officers and sailors. A Hydrographic Survey System (HSS) developed by STN Atlas integrated accurate position information with data from a multi-beam echo sounder, towed side-scan sonar, single beam echo sounder and a forward-looking sonar. The ships carried three fully equipped 9-metre Survey Motor Boats for surveys in waters not suitable for the ships themselves. Both ships were capable of carrying a helicopter to assist in survey operations.

HMAS Leeuwin transits in the Hinatuan Passage during the commemorative service for the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Surigao Strait in the Philippines.

Navy Clearance Divers travel towards HMAS Leeuwin in a Rigid-Hulled Inflatable Boat while crossing the Bay of Bengal on the way to Sri Lanka.