Babcock Australasia (Babcock) has been awarded a $30 million lift and hoists contract to enhance operational capabilities on board the Royal Australian Navy’s first three Hunter class frigates.
The three-ship agreement will see Babcock procure, modify and set to work separate lift and hoist systems as part of its partnership with BAE Systems Maritime Australia.
The stores lift plays a critical role in the effective movement of general stores, equipment and ammunition between decks inside the frigates, whilst the food hoists transport meals from the ship’s galley to its dining areas.
The design of the stores lift will be based on the system developed for the United Kingdom’s Type 26 frigates. Built to handle heavy loads, this advanced system will streamline logistics and ensure that essential supplies can be swifty and safely moved throughout the vessel.
The modification and maintenance aspects of the contract will involve close collaboration with BAE Systems Maritime Australia and the Commonwealth of Australia to ensure the systems meet the stringent standards required for naval operations.
This relationship reaffirms Babcock’s position as a trusted partner in the defence sector and highlights its commitment to delivering customised and reliable engineering solutions to the Australian Defence Force.
The contract will be the second key project to be delivered by Babcock on the Hunter class frigates, after being selected by BAE Systems Maritime Australia to design, assemble and set to work the fleet’s Air Weapons Handling Systems last year. The Hunter class Air Weapons Handling System is also based on Babcock’s modified design for the Type 26.
Both programs will be managed from Babcock’s new cutting-edge facility at Woodville North in Adelaide, which officially opened in October to support the delivery of critical sovereign land and naval programs.
Other nationally significant programs to be run out of the $31 million Defence-accredited facility include Collins Class submarine in-service sustainment and future Life of Type Extension, Counter Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosive (C-CBRNE) asset management and future programs.
Quotes attributable to Babcock Australasia CEO Andrew Cridland
“The ability to effectively move stores around a ship is vital for maintaining readiness and effectiveness during missions. Our quality solutions will ensure that the crew can access the resources they need when they need them, enhancing both performance and safety.”
“As a leader in maritime engineering and maintenance solutions, we are proud to partner with BAE Systems to deliver this key function on the Royal Australian Navy’s Hunter class frigates. This contract underscores Babcock’s commitment to enhancing operational efficiency and safety in naval operations.”
Quotes attributable to BAE Systems Australia – Maritime Acting Managing Director, Paul Berryman
“The Osborne Naval Shipyard is now approaching peak production with the construction of the first Hunter class frigate well underway.
“We are focused on providing the world’s best anti-submarine warfare capability for the Royal Australian Navy, and this contract is a key enabler to progressing the build of the Hunter class.
“We are proud to continue our relationship with Babcock Australasia on the Hunter Class Frigate Program through this contract.”