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Digital composition of Westralia, Delos and Sirius imagery by ABPH Kade Rogers. Artists’ impression of Sirius provided by Tenix.

By Graham Davis

Tenix Defence Pty Ltd has been selected as the preferred tenderer to upgrade and refit the tanker Delos, bought by Defence for the Royal Australian Navy to replace HMAS Westralia.

The contract is worth $60 million.

The Minister for Defence, Senator Robert Hill announced the selection on February 11.

The man who will have much to do with the project CAPT Stewart Dietrich, the commander of the Amphibious and Afloat Support Group, described the conversion and development of Delos as “exciting”.

The Minister said the purpose of the conversion would be to modify the vessel so she has the latest technology and equipment to refuel RAN vessels including the Anzacs, FFGs and the new Air Warfare Destroyers set to enter service from 2013.

The contract is for the design, initial logistic support and modification of the merchant tanker.

The modified Delos, to be renamed HMAS Sirius, should enter RAN service in June 2006.

Getting Sirius about new fleet oiler

Senator Hill said the modifications to the ship will be carried out at the Common User Facility at Henderson south of Fremantle.

The project will create new jobs and further consolidate the specialised skills needed in Australia’s shipbuilding and repair sector.

It will have an Australian industry involvement component of 95 per cent, he said.

“The modification of the Delos will provide the Navy with a significantly improved capacity for the at-sea replenishment of fuel,” the Minister said.

“At 176-metres long and weighing 37,000 tonnes, the Delos is an impressive vessel by any standard.”

Some of the specific modifications to take place will include the installation of a replenishment- at-sea rig, various accommodation modifications for RAN personnel including heating, ventilation, air conditioning, fresh water and sewerage.

A helicopter landing pad will be fitted along with RHIBs and a related crane and Navy lifesaving and damage control works.

Following contract negotiations Delos will be delivered to Western Australia.

Once complete the ship’s company will be transferred from HMAS Westralia ensuring a seamless transfer of operational capability to the RAN.

Delos will be commissioned as HMAS Sirius on completion of the project.

“Now that we know where the conversion will take place we can get on with the detailed planning for accepting the vessel into the RAN,” CAPT Dietrich said.

“We were waiting to see if the conversion was to take place in the east or the west.”

Sirius’ commissioning Commanding Oficer is likely to be CMDR Tim Crawford, currently working with DMO.

 

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