The official reopening of the Western Australian Museum’s much-loved HMAS Ovens submarine by Culture and the Arts Minister, Hon. David Templeman, takes place this morning at the WA Maritime Museum in Fremantle.

The former Royal Australian Navy Oberon class submarine HMAS Ovens was launched in 1967. After decommissioning in 1995, the submarine was gifted to the Western Australian Museum and docked on the historic No.1 Slipway adjacent to the WA Maritime Museum in Fremantle.

The Western Australian Government committed $3.5 million in the 2022-2023 budget to complete maintenance works on the submarine, together with associated heritage restoration works at Victoria Quay. The vessel has been closed to the public since 9 January.

The work undertaken included the repair and painting of the hull surface, which has reinstated the vessel to its former glory. Once a key part of Australia’s Cold War capability, Ovens reflects Western Australia’s long history, and continuing role, as a key strategic submarine base and it is important that she continues to be a popular exhibit at the WA Maritime Museum for many years to come.

The specialist company contracted for the work, Eptec Marine Proprietary Limited, specialises in such preservation and heritage rehabilitation work, and throughout the project prioritised the safe containment, capture and removal of all existing coating products in a safe working environment.

“We are delighted with the result of the refurbishment and look forward to welcoming visitors to Ovens once again." WA Museum CEO Alec Coles said.

“She is an example of the famous Oberon class submarine and represents a significant part of Australia’s naval heritage."