HMAS Labuan (L3501)

HMAS Labuan leaving Williamstown, Victoria for Macquarie Island in May 1949
HMAS Labuan leaving Williamstown, Victoria for Macquarie Island in May 1949
History
Australia
NameLST 3501
BuilderCanadian Vickers
Launched31 August 1944
RenamedHMAS Labuan (16 December 1948)
Launched31 August 1944
Decommissioned28 September 1951
FateSold
General characteristics
Class and typeLanding Ship Tank Mark 3
Displacement
  • 2,140 tonnes (2,110 long tons; 2,360 short tons) light
  • 3,117 tonnes (3,068 long tons; 3,436 short tons) beaching
Length345 ft (105 m) overall
Beam55 ft 3 in (16.84 m)
Draught13 ft 1 in (3.99 m)
PropulsionTriple expansion engine, 5,500 hp (4,100 kW), two propellers
Speed13 knots (24 km/h; 15 mph)
Range10,000 nautical miles (19,000 km; 12,000 mi) at 10 knots (19 km/h; 12 mph)
Capacity18 40-ton tanks, 27 trucks, and 7 LCMs
Troops168 troops
Complement104
Armament10 × 20 mm Oerlikons (four twin, two single mounts)

HMAS Labuan (L3501) (formerly HMA LST 3501) was a Mark III Tank Landing Ship that served in the Royal Navy (as HMS LST 3501) during World War II, and with the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) from 1946 until 1951.

In RAN service, the landing ship was primarily used in support of the Australian National Antarctic Research Expedition (ANARE). The vessel transported ANARE personnel and equipment two and from Heard Island and Macquarie Island. While returning from Heard Island in 1951, Labuan broke down and had to be towed to the mainland. The ship was paid off, and disposed of in 1955.