The newest addition to Australia’s navy fleet paid a surprise visit to Coffs Harbour this morning, as part of its sea trial before going into active service.
The 6,500 tonne “Ocean Shield”, which was built in Norway, will serve as an emergency response vessel in the event of a natural disaster.
The ship features a helipad and more than 1,000 square metres of deck storage.
This morning, technicians tested the ship’s auto-pilot positioning system, which allows it to maintain a fixed location without the need of an anchor.
The Ocean Shield spent several hours off Coffs Harbour’s South Wall and drew a large number of interested onlookers.
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