AUSTRALIAN WARSHIP

AUSTRALIAN WARSHIP (IMO: 9816921) sailing under the Australia flag. It has an overall length of 571 feets and a beam of 75 feets.

Vessel Identification

• MMSI: 503172000
• IMO: 9816921
• Call Sign: VKCX
• Vessel Type: Replenishment Oiler / Fleet Support Ship
• Flag: Australia
• Official Number: RAN Hull Number: OR 304

Specification

• Gross Tonnage: 19,500 GT (approx)
• Deadweight: 12,000 DWT (approx)
• Length Overall: 173 metres
• Beam: 24.7 metres
• Draught: 7.5 metres
• Displacement: 23,800 tonnes (full load)

Propulsion

• Propulsion Type: Diesel-Electric
• Main Engines: Wärtsilä dual-fuel capable diesel generating sets
• Propulsors: Twin Azimuth thrusters
• Bow Thrusters: Fitted
• Speed: Approximately 18 knots (maximum)

Shipyard

• Builder: Navantia, San Fernando Shipyard
• Location: Cádiz, Spain
• Laid Down: 2017
• Launched: 2018
• Delivered: 2021
• Commissioned: June 2021

Owner / Operator

• Owner: Commonwealth of Australia
• Operator: Royal Australian Navy (RAN)
• Manager: Department of Defence, Australia
• Home Port: HMAS Kuttabul, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Navigation / Communications Equipment

• AIS: Class A Transponder fitted
• Radar: Multiple naval-grade navigation and surveillance radar systems
• GMDSS: Fitted
• Communications: Integrated Royal Australian Navy tactical and strategic communications suite
• Navigation Systems: Integrated Bridge System (IBS)

Operating Region

• Primary Region: Indo-Pacific
• Secondary Regions: Southern Ocean, Antarctic waters (support operations), Pacific Ocean
• Role Waters: Operates across the full range of Royal Australian Navy operational areas including support to joint and coalition task groups

Vessel Description

HMAS Supply (OR 304) is a Royal Australian Navy fleet replenishment oiler and the lead ship of the Supply-class. She was constructed by Navantia in Spain and is one of two vessels in the class, the second being HMAS Stalwart. The vessel is designed to provide underway replenishment (UNREP) of fuel, ammunition, food, and stores to RAN and allied naval vessels at sea, significantly extending fleet endurance and operational reach.

Supply is equipped with Replenishment at Sea (RAS) stations on both the port and starboard sides, enabling simultaneous replenishment of multiple vessels. The ship also has a flight deck and hangar facilities capable of operating MH-60R Seahawk Romeo and other naval helicopters, supporting vertical replenishment (VERTREP) operations.

The vessel represents a critical strategic asset for Australia's naval logistics capability, replacing the former HMAS Success. Her diesel-electric propulsion and azimuth thruster configuration provide enhanced manoeuvrability essential for alongside replenishment operations in variable sea states across the Indo-Pacific region.