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Babcock Australasia has delivered its first major maintenance package on the Royal Australian Navy’s new Supply Class auxiliary oiler replenishment fleet, marking another expansion of the company’s role as Regional Maintenance Provider – West.
The work was carried out on HMAS Stalwart during a three-week maintenance period at Fleet Base West, HMAS Stirling, in Rockingham, Western Australia. In total, Babcock and its local supply chain completed more than 6,600 hours of work, encompassing over 130 individual maintenance tasks.
The Supply Class auxiliary oiler replenishment (AOR) fleet, HMAS Supply and HMAS Stalwart, are the Navy’s largest ships and form a cornerstone of Australia’s ability to sustain maritime operations at range.
Built by Navantia in Spain and based on the Cantabria Class design, the vessels entered Australian service in 2021 and 2022, respectively, replacing the ageing HMAS Success and HMAS Sirius.
With a full-load displacement of more than 19,000 tonnes, the AORs provide fuel, aviation fuel, dry cargo, food, water, ammunition and spare parts to deployed naval and joint forces, enabling task groups to remain on station for extended periods without returning to port. They are a critical enabler for Australia’s increasing focus on sustained operations across the Indo-Pacific.
Babcock Australasia managing director for marine, Simon Spratt, said the completion of maintenance on HMAS Stalwart demonstrated the maturity of the company’s Regional Maintenance Provider – West (RMP-West) capability and its growing role in supporting the Navy’s most complex vessels.
“As RMP-West, Babcock continues to provide Royal Australian Navy ships with critical maintenance to keep the fleet mission-ready and operating safely,” Spratt said. “Supporting an auxiliary oiler replenisher is a significant responsibility, given the central role these ships play in enabling naval operations far from home ports.”
Spratt said the work was delivered in close partnership with small and medium enterprises across Western Australia, reinforcing local industry participation and sovereign sustainment outcomes.
“We work closely with our valued supply chain, which not only creates jobs in local communities but also strengthens Australia’s sovereign defence capability,” he said.
Babcock was appointed Regional Maintenance Provider – West in 2020, taking responsibility for deep maintenance and sustainment of Navy vessels operating from Fleet Base West. Since then, the company’s remit has steadily expanded as new classes enter service and older platforms are withdrawn.
The addition of the Supply Class AORs follows the recent expansion of Babcock’s RMP-West portfolio to include the Navy’s new Arafura Class offshore patrol vessels, which are progressively being introduced to service from Western Australia. Together, these platforms represent a significant uplift in both the size and complexity of the fleet being sustained in the west.
Babcock’s Australian operations sit within a broader global footprint, with the company providing through-life support, maintenance and fleet management services to more than 10 navies worldwide.
“At Babcock, we are guided by our purpose of creating a safe and secure world, together,” Spratt said. “We are proud to be working closely with the Regional Maintenance Centre West team and the Royal Australian Navy to deliver this critical service.”
The successful maintenance period on HMAS Stalwart underscores the growing importance of Fleet Base West as a sustainment hub and highlights the increasing role of Australian industry in supporting a larger, more capable navy as it prepares for more demanding regional operations.
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.
