A new $5 million, five-story shipside support tower has been opened at BAE Systems Henderson facility.
The tower will initially support the ANZAC Mid Life Capability (AMCAP) upgrade program being undertaken as part of the Warship Asset Management Agreement (WAMA) between BAE Systems, SAAB Australia, Naval Ship Management (NSM) and the Commonwealth.
The shipside support tower provides offices and meeting spaces for support staff on the lower levels and amenities for the trade workforce on the upper levels. Two gangways at the upper level provide direct access to the ships dry berthed on either side.
Designed by architect Brown Falconer and built by local contractor Badge Constructions, the construction team successfully delivered the building on time and within budget. Supply Nation members Maybell Group and S&M Contracting provided and installed the furniture and fittings.
The five level tower building was built between the ship dry berths to accommodate support staff and provide amenities for the team delivering the upgrade.
“The Tower will significantly enhance productivity and reduce costs when Navy ships undergo maintenance and modifications during the delivery of this program and for the remaining life of the facility," Minister for Defence Christopher Pyne said.
The first ship to receive the AMCAP upgrade was HMAS Arunta, which undocked from Henderson last week.
“This investment is important for the AMCAP program and the incredibly complex work that will be undertaken over the next five years," BAE Systems Australia Director Maritime Darren Kirkby said.
“It’s also a valuable asset for future naval sustainment and upgrade programs undertaken at our site and within the Henderson precinct.
"We are already seeing the benefits of having key support functions consolidated and located closer to the work front. This project was about facilitating collaboration between alliance partners and we can see where BAE Systems and NSM employees are now collocating on a more effective level.”