HMAS Stalwart (A304)

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HMAS Stalwart (A304) is the second Navantia-built ship in Australia’s Supply-class replenishment oilers. It supports Royal Australian Navy ships at sea by delivering fuel and supplies.

Built in Spain, Stalwart is based on the Cantabria class and was built at the Ferrol shipyard. It was ordered on 10 March 2016, its keel was laid on 25 November 2018, launched on 30 August 2019, and commissioned on 13 November 2021. Its home port is HMAS Stirling in Western Australia.

Key facts:
- Displacement: about 19,500 tonnes full load
- Length: about 173.9 m
- Beam: 23 m
- Draught: about 8 m
- Propulsion: 2 main engines and generator sets
- Speed: up to 20 knots
- Range: about 6,000 nautical miles at 13 knots
- Crew: around 122
- Aircraft: 1x MH-60R helicopter

Operational notes:
- The ship’s sea trials began in March 2021 in Spain and were about eight months behind schedule. It arrived in Australia in June 2021 for final fit-out with Australian equipment.
- In June 2024, Stalwart was taken to Darwin for emergency engine repairs. The ship resumed operations in late 2025 after the repairs were completed.