BAE Systems Australia stated that digital technology is enabling the Hunter Class Frigate Program to expand its shipbuilding activities beyond the physical confines of the Osborne Naval Shipyard.
Adelaide manufacturer MG Engineering is constructing bulkheads and side shells that join together to form the exterior of Hunter ship blocks off site, which are linked back to BAE Systems’ operations at Osborne with a digital thread.
Anthony Brdar, Managing Director of MG Engineering, said: “Being part of BAE Systems’ strategic Supplier Panel is successfully enabling MG Engineering to build its Naval Ship Building fabrication capability."
“Not since the AWD build program where MG Engineering successfully built three Mast Blocks at its Port Adelaide facilities between 2011-2014 have we had the opportunity to once again supply larger type ship product from our facilities into the Osborne Naval Shipyard," he added.
BAE Systems Australia said that the approach both reduces production risks and enhances production by using an alternative site and workforce to deliver ship sections when the Osborne Naval Shipyard is at full capacity. When complete the side shells, each weighing in excess of ten tonnes, will be delivered to Osborne and installed on the Hunter program’s fourth prototype block prior to it undergoing abrasive blasting and painting.
MG Engineering and the fellow Adelaide-based company Century Engineering were appointed to BAE Systems Australia's Strategic Supplier Panel as part of a pilot program aimed at integrating production methods, processes, and technologies to drive greater efficiencies and foster collaborative working relationships through the Hunter class build.
Jason Loveday, Program Director, Hunter Class Frigate Program, BAE Systems Australia – Maritime, said: “Trusted industry partners, such as MG Engineering, are critical to the success of the Hunter Class Frigate Program."
“Thanks to digital technology, we can work even closer with our suppliers than before by sharing production at partner sites and collaborating on manufacturing systems and processes to ensure the outcomes are world class."