SeaTrials Nearing Completion for Tonga-Bound Landing Barge Featured
Tonga Landing Barge (Australian Defence Force Photo)
31 August, 2015. A $5 million landing craft built at Newcastle's Forgacs shipyard is undergoing final sea trials, before being transported to its new home in Tonga.
Members of the Tongan military were in the city today, joining Australian Naval officials, inspecting the vessel, which will be shipped out next month.
In 2014, Forgacs won a contract to construct the barge, which will be a gift from Australia to the Kingdom of Tonga. Defence Head of Maritime Systems, Rear Admiral Mark Purcell said the 30m vessel will be used in a range of situations, particularly for humanitarian assistance.
"The capabilities that a landing barge provides is the ability to carry stores and supplies between islands," he said. "So for a nation like Tonga, it'll be very useful.
"As part of the sea trials we've been conducting we've been carrying things like up to 60 tonnes of fresh water and dry stores and other elements. "It's anticipated this will provide a valuable capability for the Tongan armed forces."
Rear Admiral Purcell said the barge will contribute to maritime security efforts in the Pacific. "That maritime security program is all about island nations being able to look after their fishing zones, looking after their own domestic interests.
"Actually having capability to manage that on their own behalf, and this will be an essential part of that."
