This phase of the project will acquire two 27,000-tonne Amphibious Ships referred to as LHD - Amphibious Assault Ships to replace the Heavy Landing Ship HMAS Tobruk and one of the two Landing Platforms Amphibious (either HMAS Manoora or Kanimbla).

This project is one of a number of projects grouped under the Amphibious Deployment and Sustainment (ADAS) Program and designed to replace and enhance Navy’s amphibious and afloat support capability.

Design reviews were completed in 2009 and the first LHD keel-laying occurred on 23 September 2009. First steel was cut for the second LHD on 2 February 2010, seven weeks ahead of schedule.

On 18 February 2011, LHD 01 was launched at the Navantia shipyard Spain and the keel was laid for LHD 02 the next day.

LHD 01 is currently being internally fitted out with cabling and compartment fixtures.

LHD 02 will continue to be built throughout this year.

The ships are due to be accepted in 2014 and 2016.

Schedule risks include the ability of the contractor to attract sufficient personnel to meet the resource profile, and the extensive work needed to set up in-service support arrangements and to assist Navy to prepare to operate the capability.

The first of these risks is being actively managed by the contractor through recruitment and internal transfers. The second risk is being managed by the project office through a range of strategies including regular briefings for Australian industry to help local companies plan for the support program.

Related links:

LHD takes shape

http://www.navy.gov.au/fleet/ships-boats-craft/lhd

LHD Fact Sheet