The
lives of the 22 Pacific Class patrol boats, donated by Australia
to her Pacific neighbours, are being extended. Still operational
and doing a great job, the last of class should still be around
until 2027.
The first of class, HMPNGS Tarangau is now 15 years old.
In recent weeks Tenix Defence engineers went to Port Moresby to
carry out a condition assessment on Tarangau as part of the Life
Extension Program (LEP) Tenix manages for the Australian Government.
The engineers will conduct a mandatory preliminary survey of the
vessel before she is upgraded for another 15 years service. The
work will begin in six months.
The Government is yet to decide on a preferred tenderer for the
upgrade work, however it has been confirmed that the Follow On
Support Agency (FOSA) of Tenix Defence’s marine division
will manage the LEP.
The patrol boats were designed to be economical to run and easily
supported by commercial supply and repair facilities already available
in the region.
Tenix Defence CEO Robert Salteri said Tenix would use its strong
shipbuilding skills to provide expert technical management of
the upgrade on behalf of the Commonwealth.
“Our main role will be to advise the Government on how to
best maximise the life of the Pacific patrol boats,” he said.
“FOSA will provide a dedicated team of experienced and customer
focused professionals to oversee purchasing, supply, funding and
technical aspects of the upgrade.
The LEP will involve extensive hull and system refurbishment including
new electronic equipment, engine overhaul and system upgrade.
Tenix has provided the ISS for the boats since 1988.
The LEP has been designed to extend the life of the last of class
to 2027.
Tenix had a follow-on order for the class, building a 23rd vessel.
She is the Seahorse Mercator based at HMAS Waterhen and operated
by Defence Maritime Services.
She is used as a navigational classroom to train RAN personnel.
