Wallaby-class water and fuel lighter

The Wallaby-class water and fuel lighter is a class of four Australian-built lighters which have supported the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) since 1981.[1] The vessels were originally operated by the RAN, but were transferred to DMS Maritime after 1997.

A Wallaby-class lighter in 2008
Class overview
NameWallaby-class water and fuel lighter
BuildersWilliamstown Naval Dockyard
Operators
Cost$7,000,000
Built1978-1984
In service1981–2016
Completed4
Retired4
General characteristics
TypeLighter
Displacement210 tons, 1100 tons (loaded)
Length38 m (124 ft 8 in)
Beam9.8 m (32 ft 2 in)
Draft3.8 m (12 ft 6 in)
Propulsion2 x G.E.C Harbourmaster Units
ArmamentNone
Wyulda, Princess Royal Harbour, port side bow end

Their main role is to transport diesel fuel and desalinated water and remove sullage and ballast waters for the RAN, although they can also be used to control oil spills.[2]

The Wallaby-class craft are scheduled to be disposed of over the next few years, with replacement water fuel lighters proposed by DMS Maritime. Update All Vessels have now been removed from service and are awaiting scrapping. Dec 2018

Ships

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Name Builder Laid Down Launched Notes
Wallaby (8002) Williamstown Dockyard 1978 1983 Based at Sydney - Removed 2016
Wombat (8003) Williamstown Dockyard 1978 1983 Based at Sydney - Removed 2016
Wyulda (8004) Williamstown Dockyard 1982 1984 Based at HMAS Stirling - Removed 2016
Warrigal (8001) Williamstown Dockyard 1982 1984 Based at Darwin - Removed 2016

Citations

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  1. ^ Wilson (1994), pp. 67-68.
  2. ^ Wertheim (2007), pp.31-32.

References

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  • Wertheim, Eric (2007). The Naval Institute Guide to Combat Fleets of the World. Naval Institute Press. ISBN 978-1-59114-955-2.
  • Wilson, Michael (1994). Profile No. 4, Royal Australian Navy 21st century warships. Marrickville, New South Wales: Topmill. ISBN 0-646-22841-2.