HMAS 'Tobruk' will be docked in Sydney today for previously announced required maintenance, which is expected to take around two months.
In order to ensure Australia has an amphibious capability during this period, the Australian Government has chartered the long-range support ship 'Aurora Australis' from P&O Maritime Services from May 8 to June 30, 2011, with options for an extension up to a month.
The 'Aurora Australis' is a 94-metre icebreaker.
It can carry 700 tonnes of cargo, transport 116 passengers, embark watercraft and support helicopter operations.
The vessel regularly supports Antarctic bases with limited or no port facilities. The government said the charter of this vessel will help ensure that Australia is able to respond to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief incidents over this period.
The lease will cost AU$3.375 million (US$3.58 million) and will be met from within existing Defence resources.
If required for operations it can be supported by a guided missile frigate as well as heavy landing craft.
The charter of the 'Aurora Australis' is in addition to Australia's agreement with New Zealand that the New Zealand amphibious lift ship HMNZS 'Canterbury' would be made available as part of the joint Pacific-focused Ready Response Force during Tobruk's maintenance period, subject to any operational requirements in New Zealand.
HMAS 'Tobruk' is also scheduled for routine maintenance for around a six-week period in September and October 2011 to prepare the ship ahead of cyclone season.