ST Marine has been awarded its first contract with the Royal Australian Navy, to upgrade and modify its combat logistics vessel, HMAS Success.

The 157.2m-long vessel, which has a displacement capacity of 18,000t, will be converted to double hull to meet International Maritime Organisation standards for environmental protection against oil spills.

HMAS Success is the largest ship built in Australia and has been designed to supply naval combat units with fuel, ammunition, food and other supplies while at sea.

The vessel is capable of providing day or night replenishment to ships that are alongside or by her embarked helicopter.

Work will be carried out before the end of this year when the tanker is deployed in the region and will be re-delivered by the first half of 2011.