HMAS Leeuwin
Leeuwin ClassSurvey Vessel
HMAS Leeuwin
The Leeuwin-class hydrographic survey vessels were custom-built by North Queensland Engineers & Agents (NQEA) to provide the Royal Australian Navy with advanced deep-water charting and geospatial intelligence capabilities. Replacing the older Moresby and Flinders, the two ships—HMAS Leeuwin and the recently decommissioned HMAS Melville—were designed with a high-end Hydrographic Survey System (HSS) that integrates multi-beam echo sounders and towed side-scan sonars. These systems allow the ships to map the ocean floor at depths of up to 6,000 meters, providing critical data for submarine navigation and maritime safety. Beyond their scientific primary role, the class features a large flight deck and carries three Fantome-class survey motor boats, making them versatile platforms for regional surveillance, search and rescue, and supporting mine-countermeasure operations across the Indo-Pacific.
Because surveying requires long periods of steady, slow-speed movement, the propulsion system is designed for endurance and stability rather than speed.
- Main Engines: Four GEC Alsthom Paxman 6RP200 diesel engines.
- Propulsion Type: Diesel-Electric. The engines drive two Alsthom electric motors connected to two shafts.
- Maneuvering: To maintain a precise "track" while mapping the sea floor, they are equipped with an Alsthom bow thruster.
- Performance:
- Max Speed: 13 knots.
- Range: 18,000 nautical miles at 9 knots (one of the longest ranges in the RAN relative to size).
- Endurance: 60 days.