The Royal Australian Navy has selected a new light landing craft for use by the in-service Pacific Support Vessel ADV Reliant that will be faster and more capable than legacy in service craft.

Under a contract with Sydney-based The Whiskey Project Group (TWPG), Navy will receive two all-aluminium Landing Craft Light (LCL), with delivery planned for the first half of 2025.

At 15.4m in length, the new LCL is larger than Navy’s long-serving Landing Craft Vehicle Personnel that are often embarked on the sealift ship HMAS Choules and ADV Reliant.

Powered by triple 300hp diesel outboard motors, the LCL has improved seakeeping and is also significantly faster, being capable of 26 knots in a fully loaded configuration. It can carry 4.5 tonnes of cargo, including a light vehicle, containerised stores or up to 30 personnel. A bi-fold bow ramp allows for the transfer of cargo and people across a variety of shoreline terrain and beach conditions.

The LCL design is from TWPG’s proven ‘Pioneer’ family of multi-purpose utility craft and will be built at the company’s yard in Yamba on the north coast of New South Wales, providing valuable engagement for the on-site workforce and local supply chain.

Construction of the first LCL is scheduled to commence in August 2024.

For more information about The Whiskey Project Group visit their website here : https://www.thewhiskeyprojectgroup.com/