- A contract for repainting the Western Australian Museum's submarine HMAS Ovens has been awarded
- Eptec Marine Proprietary Limited announced as contractor
- The contract includes safe and secure removal of existing paint, preparing external steel and fibreglass surfaces for repainting, and repainting of the vessel itself
- Funds for the maintenance work are part of a $3.5 million package announced in the 2022-23 budget to conserve the submarine, and undertake heritage restoration works at Victoria Quay
The much-loved HMAS Ovens submarine makeover is one step closer today, following the award of the contract to repair and repaint the vessel.
This affirms a $3.5 million commitment by the McGowan Government to complete longstanding maintenance works to the former Royal Australian Navy, Oberon class submarine and heritage restoration works at Victoria Quay.
Eptec Marine Proprietary Limited has been awarded the contract to carry out safe and secure removal of the existing paint from HMAS Ovens, prepare the external steel and fibreglass surfaces, and repaint the vessel.
Due to HMAS Ovens' location and age, the safe containment, capture, and removal of all existing coating products is of the highest priority for this project.
HMAS Ovens was initially launched in 1967. After decommissioning in 1995, the submarine was gifted to the Western Australian Museum, where it was then docked on the historic No.1 Slipway adjacent to WA Maritime Museum in Fremantle.
The former navy submarine is a popular exhibit at the WA Maritime Museum. However, the external hull and paintwork are in a poor state of repair, requiring urgent treatment to ensure the submarine's longevity as a key part of WA's naval history.
The repair work is scheduled to commence in the first quarter of 2023, to allow for optimal working conditions.
As stated by Culture and the Arts Minister David Templeman:
"Awarding this contract is another example of the McGowan Government's ongoing commitment to maintaining our historical objects as part of the State's Museum collection.
"We understand the valuable role HMAS Ovens played in maintaining the security of our waters when it was in operation - and the role the vessel continues to play in educating the community about WA's naval heritage."
"Incorporating this maintenance work into a broader revitalisation of Victoria Quay will ensure the historical port area continues to be enjoyed by visitors for years to come."
Comments to be attributed to Fremantle MLA Simone McGurk:
"The HMAS Ovens is popular among many - and in the past has attracted many visitors - so I am delighted to hear that this maintenance work will start soon.
"It will be great to ensure the submarine will be back on display for years to come."
