The navyhip west ship has dropped anchor for the first time in south coast waters.

The 7,000 tonne Ocean Shield is on her maiden voyage from Western Australia to Fleet Base East in Sydney.

Not your average gunmetal grey naval ship, the Ocean Shield is bright orange and white, and is anchored this afternoon ( sat ) off the Little Blow Hole at Kiama.

The ship is unusual in that it's helicopter landing pad is at the bow, up very high, just ahead of the bridge.

It is planned the use the ship for amphibious tasks and for humanitarian and disaster relief operations, especially around Asia and the Pacific.