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Canadian-based OSI Maritime Systems’ Integrated Bridge Systems have played a pivotal role in the successful completion of sea trials by the Royal Australian Navy’s future fleet oiler, NUSHIP Supply (II), in Ferrol, Spain.
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OSI was contracted by Navantia to design and deliver Integrated Bridge Systems (IBS) for the RAN SEA 1654 AOR Program. In addition, OSI is providing onboard training and supervision of the system as the ship transits to its delivery destination.
NUSHIP Supply (II) is the first of two ships being delivered to the RAN. When commissioned, 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 prolonged operational periods.
Ken Kirkpatrick, president and CEO, OSI Maritime Systems, said, “Working directly with Navantia was a rewarding experience. It brought together partners from Spain, Australia and Canada, and demonstrated the cooperation that is possible in the global shipbuilding industry even with the challenges brought on by COVID-19.”
The IBS supplied for SEA 1654 is based upon OSI’s Warship Integrated Navigation & Tactical System (INTS) design, custom-built to the RAN’s requirements. As a type approved Integrated Navigation System (INS), INTS’s scalable architecture allows for core capabilities to be designed to fit a range of bridge configurations from offshore patrol vessels to large frigate designs.
Integrated into this innovative bridge design is ECPINS, OSI’s leading warship navigation software. ECPINS is an International Maritime Organization (IMO) approved ECDIS and the only third-party type approved NATO WECDIS STANAG 4564. The RAN operates ECPINS fleet wide.
“Our expertise in navigation and tactical solutions is easily recognised in both integrated systems and software solutions. There really is no other company that can offer both systems and software solutions that are specifically designed for naval operations and are third-party type approved,” explained Jim Davison, vice president, business development, OSI.
ECPINS operates fleet-wide across nine navies and INTS is currently being supplied to multiple NATO and Allied navy programs, including the Royal Canadian Navy’s Canadian Surface Combat program, a design based upon the BAE Systems Type 26 Global Combat Ship.
Australia’s current supply ships HMA Ships Success and Sirius will be 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 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 was launched at the Navantia Shipyards in Ferrol, Spain, on 24 November 2018.
The following day, in accordance with shipbuilding tradition, the Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Michael Noonan, positioned a coin under where the hull will be constructed for Stalwart.
HMAS Supply is planned to enter service with the Royal Australian Navy in 2020.
Stephen Kuper
Steve has an extensive career across government, defence industry and advocacy, having previously worked for cabinet ministers at both Federal and State levels.
