Design Set for Canberra Class Landing Helicopter Dock Ships

According to "Shape of things to come: Spain's new projection ship readies for sea" (By Nick Brown in Janes, 9 September 2009), the design of the Canberra class LHD ships for the Australian Navy has been finalised. The ships will have the same overall structure as the Spanish Juan Carlos I, they are derived from, but with different electronics and fitout. The ships will have an Australian specific bridge layout. The communications and combat management systems will be similar to the Anzac frigates. The hulls for the Australian ships are being made in Spain, but will be fitted out in Melbourne with a locally made "island".

The Australian ships will retain the transport capabilities of the Spanish one, including the ability to carry 144 ISO 20 foot containers. As an example, the ship could carry a modularised five story building, similar in to the 5 story 70 apartment building currently being assembled at the ANU in Canberra from shipping containers.