Ok let me just clear something up here:

We had a requirement to replace HMAS Tobruk with a new LPD, this ship will be of a similar standard to the two LHD’s and have a twin helo spot aft, and a heavy troop-lift capability.

The two LHD’s are to replace the LPA’s HMAS’s Kanimbla and Manoora, one in 2012 and the other in 2015. The new LPD is expected on line in 2017 by which time HMAS Tobruk will certainly need replacing.

The original concept was for the winning bidder of the LHD concept to also build the LPD, so does Navantia and Amaris have an adaptable LPD design based on te LHD’s they have offered?

The Rotterdam class is very impressive but from what I can gather, it is a little too small for what we need (go figure). The real reason, it think, is that the winner of the LHD contract must also offer the LPD design with a discount for all three ships.