NUSHIP Canberra, the first Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD) ship being built for the RAN, entered Sydney Harbour for the first time on March 13 following testing at sea.
While in Sydney the LHD will be dry-docked at Garden Island to have its hull cleaned before a final application of paint. Its deck will also be painted prior to its return to prime contractor BAE Systems’ Williamstown shipyard for final trials covering communications and combat systems. The first set of contractor sea trials focused on tuning the ship’s propulsion system, and testing mechanical and electrical systems.
Also during the visit to Sydney, the ship’s company will carry out familiarisation activities in preparation for the handover of Canberra from BAE Systems to Defence.
The NUSHIP Canberra had earlier departed Williamtown for Sydney on March 3.
