Australia’s newest warship HMAS Stalwart breaks down, undergoing emergency mechanical repairs

Australia’s newest warship is undergoing emergency mechanical repairs to address “engine defects”, at the same time the navy’s only other supply class vessel remains out of service.

The ABC can reveal HMAS Stalwart, which was commissioned into service less than three years ago, has extended a port visit to Darwin as Defence investigates the extent of problems on board.

HMAS Stalwart is the second and final Auxiliary Oiler Replenishment (AOR) ship built in Spain for the Royal Australian Navy, and is supposed to carry fuel, ammunition and other supplies for deployed combat forces, as well as providing logistics.

Following questions from the ABC this week, the Defence Department has now confirmed that HMAS Stalwart, which was commissioned into service seven months after HMAS Supply in November 2021, is also experiencing problems with its engine.

“HMAS Stalwart has extended a port visit to Darwin to investigate engine defects that emerged on passage to Darwin. The crew are supported by contractors,” a Defence spokesperson told the ABC.

“The extent and cause of the required repairs are under investigation,” the spokesperson added.

Defence figures familiar with the situation claim HMAS Stalwart is experiencing “massive engineering issues” and could be in as “bad shape” as HMAS Supply.