As part of the contract, now in its 14th year, BAE Systems will be tasked with forecasting, planning and delivering all maintenance requirements for the RAN’s Leeuwin Class Hydrographic ship, the Fantome Class Survey Motor Boat, the Paluma Class Survey Motor Launch and the Antarctic Survey Vessel.

“This contract extension recognises the outstanding partnership between Defence, BAE Systems Australia as we continue to the support the important work delivered by defence industry in far north Queensland,” Minister for Defence Peter Dutton said.

BAE is expected to leverage its industrial supply chain of approximately 200 regional and national businesses, of which over 80 per cent is Australian owned and operated.

The company has invested almost $200 million with these suppliers over the five years.

“This contract extension reflects our continued focus to look for more innovative ways to support the fleet and increase our competitiveness,” BAE Systems Maritime Australia managing director Craig Lockhart said.

“The Hydrographic In-Service Support Contract demonstrates an important industrial capability which has been built up over many years in Cairns to meet the needs of the Royal Australian Navy.

“Our highly skilled team is growing providing local know how, complemented by our national maritime sustainment business, which ensures that the Navy has the capability it requires, when it is needed.”

He added: “As we look to enter our third decade of supporting the Navy in Cairns, BAE Systems continues to be a long-term trusted partner.”

[Related: BAE Systems secures $687m global F-35 deal]