The imposing three thousand square metre frame of the HMAS Ovens submarine will this week undergo its final stage of external restoration.
Western Australian Museum chief executive officer Alec Coles said Museum experts were overseeing the conservation project that is being conducted alongside community and commercial partners.
“Protecting a vessel of this size from corrosion and deterioration is a massive undertaking and one we are grateful to embark on through the support of commercial and community partners,” he said.
The two year project to restore the Ovens has involved students from the Certificate III in Marine Operations course at Challenger Institute of Technology, Fremantle. The students have worked with WA Museum conservators and curator to strip away external surface corrosion from the vessel’s hull.
“The protection of the Ovens’ exterior requires specialised equipment and specially formulated paints which have been generously supplied by Jotun Australia Pty Ltd.
“The first stage of hydro-blasting the hull, using ultra high pressure water to remove debris has been completed, and our staff have been overseeing the students undertaking the enormous task of painting the vessel,” Mr Coles said.
Challenger Institute of Technology lecturer Rob Simm said that twenty four students from its Integrated Ratings course were being taught the importance of corrosion control through the maintenance of the slipways and bogeys that support the submarine on the slipway.
“It is not always possible to replicate an actual working environment where students can easily realise the practical application of ship maintenance and corrosive prevention.
“This collaboration with the WA Museum is a fantastic opportunity for students to learn in a practical marine environment,” Mr Simm said.
Built in the 1960s, HMAS Ovens represents scientific and technological achievement of modern submarine reconnaissance, surveillance and intelligence gathering during the 1960s to early 1990s Cold War era when tensions between the USA and USSR were strained by a nuclear arms race.
The submarine is housed on the slipway adjacent to the WA Maritime Museum which was purpose built to service allied submarines that operated from Fremantle between 1942 and 1945.
“During World War II on average a submarine left Fremantle on patrol once every three days.
“The extent and capability of Fremantle’s submarine base has been highlighted by the Western Australian Maritime Museum through displays, drawing attention to Fremantle’s strategic importance during World War II,” Mr Coles said.
The completion of the restoration project means the exterior of one of Australia’s most significant Cold War maritime artefacts, and one of the Western Australian Museum’s most popular attractions, will be preserved for years to come.
The WA Maritime Museum provides guided tours of the submarine which leave every half hour (10.00am - 3.30pm). Bookings are advised on 9431 8334 and conditions apply.
Media contact: Flora Perrella, Western Australian Museum T. 6552 7804 M. 0424 027 646 flora.perrella@museum.wa.gov.au
