THE $60 million conversion of a commercial chemical tanker into a naval oiler – the biggest contract ever undertaken at the Australian Marine Complex at Henderson – has been completed on budget and ahead of schedule. The new naval vessel, HMAS Sirius, left the AMC last week for sea trials before returning to its home port at Garden Island. The upgrade included seven major modification packages, including a replenishment-at-sea capability to allow the Sirius to receive and distribute fuel, water and hard stores to other naval and allied vessels. Other modifications included a helicopter deck, specially designed and integrated on to the stern of the vessel, and a container deck capable of holding a dozen 20-foot shipping containers.