One of largest ships in Australian history recycled after 15 years of service

One of the largest vessels in Australian history, HMAS Sirius, has been recycled.

After 15 years’ service as a Royal Australian Navy fuel tanker, and two years since its decommissioning at HMAS Stirling, Perth, in December 2021, the ship has now become scrap metal.

Sirius is the largest vessel to be dismantled in Australia, with industry partner Birdon Group carrying out the process at the Australian Maritime Complex facility near Perth.

Originally purchased by the government on June 3, 2004, the vessel was commissioned in 2006 as HMAS Sirius in honor of HMS Sirius of the first fleet.

HMAS Sirius underwent extensive modifications to transform it from a double-hulled commercial product tanker to a navy fuel tanker. The ship’s primary role was the delivery of fuel to the RAN fleet at sea. 

Sirius carried bunkered 34,806 cubic meters of fuel and was capable of replenishing two ships simultaneously.

Conducting patrols during Operation Resolute in 2013 and 2014, Sirius was part of the navy’s contribution to protect Australia’s borders and offshore maritime interests. It also conducted patrols of oil and gas installations in northern Australian waters during Operation Red Raptor.

The ship saw further operational service in support of Operation Seville, support for the G20 summit in 2014, and Operation APEC Assist in 2018.

Sirius embarked on its final deployment to South-East Asia and the south-west Pacific before its decommissioning in December 2021.

“After the Sirius deconstruction, 99 per cent of the ship’s materials have been recycled for industry for the development of new projects, which will be used across Australia and the world,” Acting First Assistant Secretary Strategy Planning and Independent Assurance Suzanne Kerrigan said.