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Leeuwin-class survey vessel

The Leeuwin class is a two-ship class of hydrographic survey vessels operated by the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). Leeuwin and Melville were ordered from NQEA Australia in 1996, and were commissioned in 2000. The ships are capable of charting waters up to 6,000 metres (20,000 ft) deep, carry three Fantome-class survey boats, and could operate an AS 350B Squirrel helicopter. In addition to surveying duties, since 2001 both vessels have been used to supplement the RAN patrol force. Leeuwin and Melville are based at HMAS Cairns, and are active as of 2023.

Operational history[edit]

Both Leeuwin and Melville are based at HMAS Cairns.[1] They operate in support of the Australian Hydrographic Office.[2]


In late 2001, both ships began operations to supplement patrol forces and counter illegal immigration as part of Operation Relex, in addition to normal surveying duties.[2][3] The survey ships were selected as they had greater range and seakeeping capabilities that the Fremantle-class patrol boats.[3] In January 2002, Leeuwin and Melville were repainted from white to grey.[2][3]

Bateman, Sam; Bergin, Anthony; Tsamenyi, Martin; Woolner, Derek (2006). "Integrated maritime enforcement and compliance in Australia". In Rothwell, Donald R.; VanderZwaag, David L. (eds.). . Oxon: Routledge. ISBN 978-0-415-38378-3.

Towards principled oceans governance: Australian and Canadian approaches and challenges

Saunders, Stephen, ed. (2008). Jane's Fighting Ships 2008–2009. Jane's Fighting Ships (111th ed.). Surrey: Jane's Information Group.  9780710628459. OCLC 225431774.

ISBN

Wertheim, Eric, ed. (2007). (15th ed.). Annapolis, MD: Naval Institute Press. ISBN 9781591149552. OCLC 140283156.

The Naval Institute Guide to Combat Fleets of the World: Their Ships, Aircraft, and Systems

. Royal Australian Navy.

"Surveying Ship (AGS)"