MacGREGOR naval RoRo systems support
versatile amphibian deployment roles

Press release 24 March, 2009

Two logistic support vessels for the Australian Navy will be fitted with specialist systems from Cargotec’s MacGREGOR that enable the recovery of amphibious vehicles at sea

MacGREGOR has won the contract to deliver a specially-designed RoRo outfit to two 231m logistic support vessels, intended to enhance the Australian Navy’s amphibian deployment capabilities. MacGREGOR has unrivalled experience in developing marine cargo handling and offshore load-handling solutions, and is part of Cargotec Corporation, the world's leading provider of cargo handling solutions used in local transportation, terminals, ports, distribution centres, and ships.

The vessels are under construction at Spanish shipbuilder Navantia’s Ferrol yard and are designated ‘LHDs’ (landing helicopter docks) designed to fulfil a multi-function role.

The MacGREGOR outfit for each vessel comprises a stern ramp/door, two side ramp/doors, two shell doors, one weathertight rampway door and a 10.1 x 3.3m cantilever-type light cargo elevator, which has a safe working load of 20 tonnes and serves deck levels 1 to 4.

The 8m hydraulically-operated stern ramp/door will be built in two sections. As well as loading and discharging vehicles when in harbour, the equipment is designed to handle various tasks when the LHDs are underway. The stern ramp can be used:

• in a submerged position that allows landing craft to dock while vessel is moving at speeds of up to five knots in conditions up to and including sea-state 4
• so that landing craft can beach when the ramp is in a non-submerged position
• for the recovery of amphibious vehicles in non-submerged position.

The two 10m-long hydraulically-operated side ramps/doors on the starboard side will give access to deck 4 and the light-cargo elevator. They will be built in two sections: with the inner section hinged at the lower end of deck 4 at the side door opening at the main deck; and the outer section hinged to the inner section and folding inboard of the inner section when closed.

The vessels are planned for delivery in 2014 and 2015.

MacGREGOR