Australia's Newest Naval Vessel Ready for Delivery

The Australian Navy’s NUSHIP Adelaide has completed its final sea ship trials in Port Phillip Bay. The NUSHIP Adelaide is the navy’s second landing helicopter dock (LHD). 

The purpose of the ten day trials was testing the ship’s combat and communications systems. The trials were undertaken throughout the vessel’s journey from Williamstown to Jervis Bay as well as the return voyage. These areas were chosen to provide maximum flexibility and proximity to the Australian Defense Force. 

The 27,800 ton vessel has returned to BAE Systems’ Williamstown shipyard and will be delivered to the Australian Navy in September. 

The Australian Navy received the first of its two LHD vessels, the NUSHIP Canberra, in October 2014. The LHDs will transport more than 1,000 soldiers and equipment. Adelaide will be capable deploying a reinforced company of up to 220 soldiers at a time by airlift. The vessel is also outfitted with two vehicle decks and can accommodate a combined 110 vehicles.

BAE Systems trained 700 crew members serving both NUSHIP Adelaide and HMAS Canberra at its Mascot, Sydney facility. The Adelaide completed its first sea trials on June 17.