The
new oil tanker MV Delos, bought for $50 million earlier this year
to replace the ageing HMAS Westralia, will be renamed HMAS Sirius.
The name has historical significance.
Supply ships HMS Sirius and HMS Supply were part of Captain Arthur
Philip’s First Fleet.
They supplied logistic support to form the colony in 1788.
A State Ferries passenger craft is also named Sirius and plies
Sydney Harbour.
Selection of names for HMA ships is the responsibility of the
Chief of Navy, VADM Chris Ritchie.
She will be the first RAN ship to carry the name. NUPSHIP Sirius
is due to enter service in July 2006 upon completion of program
to give her replenishmentat- sea capability.
This is expected to cost around $100m.
As the MV Delos, she was bought by Defence upon her completion
at the Hyundai Mipo Dockyard in South Korea.
Of 37,000 deadweight tonnes and 176 metres long she has a double
hull and is environmentally compliant.
She will be able to provide fuel for both ships and aircraft,
along with water.
