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The Department of Defence officially received the second Supply Class auxiliary oiler replenishment ship this week, having signed the acceptance certificate for the NUSHIP Stalwart.
The NUSHIP Stalwart, built by Navantia Ría de Ferrol, recently completed a two-month fit-out at Western Australia’s HMAS Stirling before undertaking the last of its sea trials.
According to a release from Navantia, the ship’s combat, communications and navigations systems were well received by Defence.
Israel Lozano, managing director of Navantia Australia, welcomed the landmark occasion, noting the benefits that the program has had for Australia’s industry capability.
“We congratulate Defence on the acceptance of delivery of NUSHIP Stalwart. Navantia Australia established operations in Henderson, Western Australia in May 2020 to provide sustainment support to Stalwart and is another example of how our commitment to Plan Galileo and to helping develop Australia’s sovereign naval shipbuilding and sustainment industry,” said Lozano said.
Navantia Australia is expected to provide support for the life-cycle of the NUSHIP Stalwart as well as sister ship HMAS Supply for the first five years of service.
The program created 60 direct jobs with Navantia Australia, as well as additional jobs across the supply chain.
According to the company, numerous Australian businesses were engaged throughout the building and construction, such as Taylor Bros, SAGE Automation, Australian Maritime Technologies, Sofraco Engineering, Capability by Design, Communications Design & Management and Sypaq Systems, ASP Ship Management, Scaf-West and the Onsite Rental Group.
[Related: Navantia Australia installs Through Life Support Facility at Garden Island]
