Defence minister Stephen Smith and Defence materiel minister Jason Clare have announced that Defence will develop a new comprehensive plan to transition to the new Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD) Ships.
HMAS Manoora, which was placed on operational pause by the Seaworthiness Board in September 2010, will be decommissioned on the advice of Chief of Navy.
An examination of the over 40-year-old ship has revealed it requires remediation of significant hull corrosion and the replacement of both gear boxes.
This work would cost over $20 million and would take until April 2012 to complete.
HMAS Manoora and the Royal Australian Navy’s other amphibious support ships (HMAS Kanimbla and HMAS Tobruk) will be replaced by two Canberra Class LHDs, the largest ships ever operated by the Royal Australian Navy.
The hull of the first LHD will be launched on February 18 2011 in Spain where Navantia has constructed it.
The hull will arrive in Melbourne in 2012 for further work to be completed at BAE Systems’ Williamstown Shipyard before the LHD becomes operational in 2014.
Australia’s second LHD will become operational in 2015.
Each LHD is 230 metres long and can carry a combined armed battlegroup of more than 1,000 personnel, 100 armoured vehicles and 12 helicopters.
Each also includes a 40-bed hospital.
“Stepping up to this new capability is going to require a lot of work by Navy,” Smith said.
“It is very different to the ships we currently operate.
“One LHD will effectively replace the entire amphibious force we have today.
“It also has a number of capabilities, such as a floating dock that the Royal Australian Navy does not currently operate.
“Because of the decommissioning of the Manoora and the age of our other amphibious ships, I have asked Defence to present a new comprehensive plan for the transition towards the new LHDs.”
This could include the lease or purchase of ships that would provide a platform to train and prepare for the LHDs, such as a Bay Class ship from the UK Government.
If this option is taken up it could provide for the decommissioning of the HMAS Kanimbla or HMAS Tobruk to be brought forward.
The Seaworthiness Board also placed HMAS Kanimbla on operational pause in 2010.
The Kanimbla is not now expected to be available for operations until mid-2012 and is currently scheduled to be decommissioned at the end of 2014.
HMAS Tobruk is currently being maintained at a 48 hours readiness posture in order to meet Australian Defence Force preparedness requirements.
Tobruk will be required to dock during 2011 to replace wornout support bearings on a propeller shaft.
She is due to be decommissioned at the end of 2012.