LCM2000-class landing craft

[4] In October 2001 ADI was selected as the preferred tenderer to build the six watercraft; at this time it was intended that the first of the class would enter service in 2003.

[6] A contract for the craft was signed in July 2002 and construction work began at ADI's facilities at Carrington, New South Wales in February 2003.

[3][7] The final design was for a 25.2 metres (83 ft)-long vessel constructed from aluminium with a maximum displacement of 135 tonnes when fully loaded.

[2][4] The LCM2000s were to carry loads ranging from 35 to 50 tons, including one Leopard 1 tank or up to five ASLAVs; this was three times the cargo which could be embarked in the LCM-8s.

[9] As a result, the LCM2000s were only used for training purposes and minor exercises conducted near Townsville, Darwin and other locations in northern Australia.

[9][10] The Army hoped to either use the LCM2000s with the RAN's Canberra class landing helicopter dock when these ships entered service or for other secondary tasks, but the craft were determined to be unsuitable for these purposes.

[13] The craft were reported to still be laid up at the Rosshaven marine yard in January 2012,[14] but the Government listed them for disposal the next month.