Not for many years. Sembawang shipyard now, owned by Sembcorp Marine.
Royal Australian Navy Discussions and Updates
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I tried to explain to the young fellas how workups in the very early 90's were, they just don't seem to realize how easy it is nowadays.Always got lucky when it came to DC during the off watch of a day, 3AFT on FFG for TH are a favourite...i was 3FWD, and Kilo on FFH while i was Echo, always good to hear the pipe and laugh when its not your compartment...nfloorl:
This seems to be a new thing, started last year during our workups for the MEAO, which they shortened to 3 weeks due to poor planning. STG staying onboard always meant late nite DC and early starts, so sleep was optional.
(Go to bed at 0200 after a three hour DCX and then back up at 40 or so minutes later, woken by the Phantom calling "hit charlie") oh the memories..............
ADI’s bid for the LHD was to build the Mistral class in Australia. The forward hull section was to be built in the Garden Island graving dock (and who knows where the RAN would be doing refits during that time) where it would be mated with the aft hull section which was to be built by Forgacs in Brisbane or Newcastle.
Cockatoo would be able to build the LHD on a slipway even if its docks would be too small to accommodate it. Also with modernisation for a hardstand and a shiplift or floating dock Cockatoo has plenty of space to build an LHD on the level, consolidating modules, etc and then lowering it into the water.
Forgacs has both the ex Carrington slipway upriver from Newcastle and the ex State Dockyard in Newcastle. Carrington is limited in ship size to 5,000-10,000 tonne vessels but the floating dock in Newcastle proper is pretty big and should be able to accommodate an LHD. Also their Caincross dockyard in Brisbane is pretty big. As big as Garden Island? Its Panamax size so you could fit an LHD in there.
The Henderson CUF in Perth could build a LHD but their current floating dock for ship lifting is only sized at 4,000 tonnes. It is extendable, in that an additional section can be added to it, or replaceable (it is just a big barge) with one that could size an LHD. That’s one of the advantages of building on a level hardstand is you aren’t space constrained like in a dock or on a slip. Plus you don’t have to worry about the dock cracking a leak or building on an angle.
There is also the inactive BHP shipyard in Whyalla. They built ships much bigger than the LHD and integrated with a steel yard is ideal for big heavy steel sections. Couldn't fit the LHD out but an ideal place to build one (if workforce wasn't an issue) and then tow it somewhere else for finishing.
Let's talk Project SEA 1180,
What are some current future OCV/Corvettes that may be within Australia's interest or even a basis of what we may use to build our own?
- Spanish BAM (Maritime Action Ship) (a scaled down/smaller version)
- Visby class corvette (less the heavy weapons)
- Fassmer OPV/PZM
- BMT venator
- Protector class
Let's get some brain storming...
What are some current future OCV/Corvettes that may be within Australia's interest or even a basis of what we may use to build our own?
- Spanish BAM (Maritime Action Ship) (a scaled down/smaller version)
- Visby class corvette (less the heavy weapons)
- Fassmer OPV/PZM
- BMT venator
- Protector class
Let's get some brain storming...
You’re better off looking at potential shipbuilders and then working from there to identify likely ship offerings:
AUSTAL – Multi Role Vessel trimaran
BAES Australia – River class OPV or Tenix type OCV (RNZN Otago class design is owned by Kvaerner and was a specific fit to Project Protector being a proven ice resistant class)
ASC and Thales Australia are also likely primes but don’t have their own design book. However ASC have a relationship with Navantia and could offer their Meteoro class. Similarly Thales Group frequently work with DCNS and could offer their Gowind class.
Strategic Marine and even INCAT could all offer potential SEA 1180 designs and builds. Strategic Marine could build a militarised and scaled up version of their Offshore Supply Vessel family. INCAT could offer a militarised catamaran. But neither would likely be considered strong designs despite their ease of fitting a modular mission deck.
Also FORGACS (Carrington), NQEA and Adelaide Ship are also potential builders of the 1,000-2,000 tonne SEA 1180 ship. Each of these yards have good reputations and while Adelaide Ship would struggle with the infrastructure they could also use the Techport CUF down the Port River. Like ASC and Thales they don’t have in house designs but could partner with an overseas designer (or domestic house) to offer a solution. This is where designs like the BMT and PZM are likely to be offered. One thing but is certain the high cost composite hull Visby is almost certainly not a contender.
PS: This week Strategic Marine and BMT announced a teaming arrangement for offshore support vessels. This could lead to a SEA 1180 solution. With a mixed build, fitout strategy using their low cost VietNam yard they could offer a highly competitive solution.
AUSTAL – Multi Role Vessel trimaran
BAES Australia – River class OPV or Tenix type OCV (RNZN Otago class design is owned by Kvaerner and was a specific fit to Project Protector being a proven ice resistant class)
ASC and Thales Australia are also likely primes but don’t have their own design book. However ASC have a relationship with Navantia and could offer their Meteoro class. Similarly Thales Group frequently work with DCNS and could offer their Gowind class.
Strategic Marine and even INCAT could all offer potential SEA 1180 designs and builds. Strategic Marine could build a militarised and scaled up version of their Offshore Supply Vessel family. INCAT could offer a militarised catamaran. But neither would likely be considered strong designs despite their ease of fitting a modular mission deck.
Also FORGACS (Carrington), NQEA and Adelaide Ship are also potential builders of the 1,000-2,000 tonne SEA 1180 ship. Each of these yards have good reputations and while Adelaide Ship would struggle with the infrastructure they could also use the Techport CUF down the Port River. Like ASC and Thales they don’t have in house designs but could partner with an overseas designer (or domestic house) to offer a solution. This is where designs like the BMT and PZM are likely to be offered. One thing but is certain the high cost composite hull Visby is almost certainly not a contender.
PS: This week Strategic Marine and BMT announced a teaming arrangement for offshore support vessels. This could lead to a SEA 1180 solution. With a mixed build, fitout strategy using their low cost VietNam yard they could offer a highly competitive solution.
my money is on some version of the Knud Rasmussen class patrol vessels used by the RDN. they fit the description almost perfectly.
1,700 tons same sort of crew as an Armidale fully modular with 2/4 spots for Stanflex Modules. the Speed and Range are a little lacking but as a whole they offer far more than any other patrol/corvette class i can think of
1,700 tons same sort of crew as an Armidale fully modular with 2/4 spots for Stanflex Modules. the Speed and Range are a little lacking but as a whole they offer far more than any other patrol/corvette class i can think of
It doesn’t have a helo hangar, pretty much a top order requirement for SEA 1180. But of course a modified design could be fitted with one. But that and an enclosed mission deck (which it also doesn’t have) would require a significant redesign. SEA 1180 isn’t just for an OPV it is for a vessel that can also embark the gear required to conduct stand off MCM and hydrographic research.
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As you go into the dock, the starboard side is primarily for Navy vesels from US(and USCG),RN,RNZN and RAN, with the surrounding areas civilian. the inner part is guarded by singapore navy and New Zealand Police...
The two things you say its lacking are the two things the RAN require...so knowing most govt decisions this is a shoe in!
Better range and more time at sea would be main points, with as Abe mentioned a hanger for Hydro to use for survey work. the modules will make it a fight, as each section (patrol, hydro, Mine warfare) fight it out for more ability.
The problem with one boat, covering 3 roles is its the jack of all trades, master of none...
If you want to be informed as to what the RAN’s requirements for the SEA 1180 vessel just have a look at the latest iteration of the AUSTAL MRV. It’s been through about 3-4 changes since first emerging , each time tailoring itself to the changing requirements of SEA 1180. The latest version has three engines for 26 knots speed, 28 days endurance and 4,500 NM range at 12 knots. On the combat side it has a CIC with six stations, a 57mm gun and pretty extensive away party ready areas beside the davits. Despite what anyone may think about trimarans the stuff in this boat is pretty impressive for a patrol capability.
Well, there is some concern that Austal have been ignoring or sidestepping the evidence coming from BPC...
The Indian Ocean, south of NZ and south west of WA are a bit of a bugger. I'm sure Alexas has some insight into the ugly tech data...
Yes well one has to ignore the things that your solution can't solve...
Yes well one has to ignore the things that your solution can't solve...
I've always been partial to their flatpacker cats, a lot more cash and carry flexibility.
as long as they don't try to do a BPC and turn them into a floating "Harvey Norman", then you could still do lots with them....
I have real concerns about the operating limitations of this concept. It really is a fair weather vessel and all the advantages of speed disappear in anything but fairly beneign conditions. Its tonnage capacity is limited by the HSC based structure and it is not as resistant to damage as mild steel while being more expensive to fabricate and having a shorter operating life.
The wharves there have always been wharves, the drydock is further around the bend and is part of the shipyard.
Cheers
new Zealand police??
why?
For those interested, latest pic of the Adelaide on the slipway at Ferol. Looks like they are making good progress on her
fotosdebarcos.com / fotosdebarcos.org :: Ver tema - 03 HMAS Adelaide
fotosdebarcos.com / fotosdebarcos.org :: Ver tema - 03 HMAS Adelaide
Sembawang is the FPDA naval base [ame="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Five_Power_Defence_Arrangements"]Five Power Defence Arrangements - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia[/ame]
But it is administered by NZ for some strange reason. The police on base are an Singaporean Auxiliary police force one of several in the nation, others look after the Port authority or the Airport. They are basically local rental cops with a special constable badge...and a gun. I cant remember what they are called but their badge has a Kiwi on it.
To top it of the largest presence on the base is the USN http://www.clwp.navy.mil/who also have a PX and run the Terror club which used to be the RN club. Great place for a cheep beer swim and a feed :cheers!...its just off base.
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Its the greatest arrangement, the kiwis supply security, the UK set it all up, the US supply the supply and NEX and the aussies use the place...
Don't for get the Black and White's!....sooo cheap sooo good to get of the ship!
Translation for non Aussie Pussers = the Black and White's are two story bungalows built by the Brits in the 20's (So named because of their colour scheme and they are still in good shape) that the RAN use for duty accommodation or if not otherwise in use they are provided at a cheap rate, as a place to get off the ship for visiting Aussie ships or even for navy family's on holiday.
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or just get a hotel in the city...when we were up last Success had booked them out, plus it made drinking in clarke quay so much easier when i was staying next door.
i always head past terror and go down the hill to the little places near nelson bar, cheap easy meal before sailing with puss fine dining(though PAR did have best cooks in the fleet...
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