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The Royal Australian Navy's Director of Naval Platforms, Gordon Macdonald, praised the innovative design of the 35-metre Deepwater vessel in 2000 for its superior capabilities in beaching and cargo extraction. Despite its advantages, including a capacity for 472 tonnes of sand and successful project cargo operations, the design was sidelined due to budget cuts in 2013. Recently, the Australian Government awarded a AU$1.1 billion contract to Austal for bow landing craft, raising questions about the Navy's procurement strategy and the consideration of local innovations.