Babcock secures $30m contract to deliver lift, hoist systems for Hunter Class frigates

Babcock Australasia (Babcock) has been awarded a $30 million contract for lifts and hoists to enhance operational capabilities aboard the Royal Australian Navy’s first three Hunter Class frigates.

Babcock Australasia (Babcock) has been awarded a $30 million contract for lifts and hoists to enhance operational capabilities aboard the Royal Australian Navy’s first three Hunter Class frigates.

Under the agreement, Babcock will procure, modify, and commission separate lift and hoist systems as part of its partnership with BAE Systems Maritime Australia.

The stores lift plays a crucial role in efficiently moving general stores, equipment, and ammunition between decks within the frigates, while the food hoists will 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.

Babcock Australasia CEO Andrew Cridland welcomed this contract, saying: “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.”

Built to handle heavy loads, this advanced system will streamline logistics and ensure essential supplies are moved swiftly and safely throughout the vessel.

The modification and maintenance components 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.

“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,” Cridland said.

This partnership reaffirms Babcock’s position as a trusted partner in the defence sector and underscores its commitment to delivering customised and reliable engineering solutions to the Australian Defence Force.

The contract represents the second key project delivered by Babcock for the Hunter Class frigates, following its selection by BAE Systems Maritime Australia last year to design, assemble, and commission the fleet’s air weapons handling systems. The Hunter Class air weapons handling system is also based on Babcock’s modified design for the Type 26.

BAE Systems Australia’s maritime acting managing director, Paul Berryman, said: “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.”

Both programs will be managed from Babcock’s new state-of-the-art facility at Woodville North in Adelaide, which officially opened in October to support the delivery of critical sovereign land and naval programs.

“We are proud to continue our relationship with Babcock Australasia on the Hunter Class Frigate Program through this contract,” Berryman said.

Other nationally significant programs to be run from 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 upcoming projects.

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