Babcock Australasia (Babcock) has been awarded a $30 million lift and hoists contract for 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.
The company says that modification and maintenance aspects of the contract will involve 'close collaboration' with BAE Systems Maritime Australia and the Commonwealth to ensure the systems meet the standards required for naval operations.
The contract will be the second 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 facility at Woodville North in Adelaide, which officially opened in October.
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.
“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," Babcock Australasia CEO Andrew Cridland said.