Good oiler selected

By LEUT Aaron Matzkows and Graham Davis

The South Korean built Delos has been chosen as the replacement for the fleet oiler HMAS Westralia.

The double-hulled ship is about the same size as Westralia

The Navy will have a brand new fleet oiler in two years, with the purchase of a $50 million commercial tanker built in South Korea.

Defence has bought the oil tanker Delos to be re-configured and used to replace the ageing HMAS Westralia. Subject to final checks, Australia will take delivery of her next month.

The 37,000 tonne, 176- metre long vessel was built as one of four commercial tankers by Hyundai Mipo Dockyard Company for the Greek shipping line, Tsakos Energy Navigation.

The double-hulled environmentally sustainable Delos is about the same size as Westralia (33,600 dwt). According to the Defence Capability Plan 2004-2014 Public Version released earlier this year, between $100 million and $150 million will be spent buying and converting the ship.

Tsakos Energy Navigation had ordered seven sister ships, described as “handy-sized”, for delivery from 2004 to 2007.

It currently operates a fleet of 28 product carriers, with a further six “Suez-max” tankers under construction. The Minister for Defence, Senator Robert Hill, announced the tanker’s purchase on June 3.

“It will be modified so that it has the latest technology and equipment capable of refuelling a range of Navy vessels including the Anzac and guided missile frigates and the new Air Warfare Destroyers that will enter service from 2013,” Senator Hill said.

He said the Delos was selected from a field of 11 ships on the commercial market, which were evaluated in a competitive process.

In choosing the vessel, Defence consulted with Teekay Shipping Australia, which provides ongoing technical and commercial assistance in the support of Navy’s inservice auxiliary ships.

Following delivery, separate competitive contracts will be let for the design and the modification of the ship. Tenders for the design and logistics support package will be issued shortly, with the preferred designer to be contracted later this year.

Tenders for a repairer-builder to modify Delos will be issued in early 2005 with a preferred tenderer to be selected mid-year. Defence is on track to deliver the replacement oiler in 2006.

Senator Hill’s announcement about the purchase of Delos came as HMAS Westralia made her way from her home base at HMAS Stirling around to Brisbane for a docking.

HMAS Westralia was laid down in 1974 as a Stat 32 class tanker by Cammell Laird Shipbuilders Ltd of Birkenhead, England. She was originally named the Hudson Cavalier.

Four members of the RAN were killed in a tragic engine room fire aboard Westralia on May 5, 1998.

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