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Hobart-based CBG Systems will deliver and install insulation, linings and pinning into the first three Hunter Class frigates under an $83 million contract with BAE Systems Maritime Australia, marking a significant achievement for the defence industry in Tasmania.
CBG Systems, an SME with 45 employees and more than 40 years of experience in supplying to the maritime industry, has secured a critical contract to supply and install fire, thermal and acoustic insulation for each of the first three anti-submarine warfare frigates, which rely on stealth and soundproofing to be effective in combat.
CBG Systems will also establish operations at the Osborne Naval Shipyard, where the company will manage personnel, a workshop, and office space to ensure the contract is delivered seamlessly with the Hunter build program.
CBG Systems has already successfully delivered insulation into prototype blocks for the Hunter program, a key activity designed to test and refine the tools, systems, and processes of the build methodology and embed trusted suppliers into the nation’s biggest shipbuilding program.
“Insulation is a fundamental part of building warships designed to hunt down submarines using cutting-edge technology, sophisticated air defence, and advanced anti-submarine warfare capabilities,” said David Shepherd, managing director, BAE Systems Australia, Surface Ships.
“The work that CBG Systems has delivered into the early stages of the program has been world-class, and we are looking forward to working alongside Javier Herbon, the managing director of CBG Systems, and his team to deliver the next phase of the build program for NUSHIP Hunter as we move into the fit-out phase.
“Hunter is establishing an enduring local industrial base capable of supplying into Australia’s most complex defence programs and building a foundation for continuous naval shipbuilding.
“The expertise that CBG Systems brings to continuous naval shipbuilding opens the way for a critical sovereign industrial capability supporting the Royal Australian Navy.”
The contract award adds to the more than 140 contracts awarded for work on the first three Hunter Class frigates, with more than 80 Australian suppliers currently working across the program.
“This is a landmark contract for CBG Systems, and for Tasmania’s defence industry more broadly. The Hunter Class Frigate Program is a truly national endeavour, and it’s a proud moment for a Tasmanian SME to be playing such a central role in delivering it,” said Javier Herbon, managing director, CBG Systems.
“Our work on the Hunter program began back in 2023 on the prototype blocks, and that early experience has been invaluable as we now step up to deliver across all three Batch 1 frigates.
“This contract will see CBG Systems establish a genuine presence at Osborne, with our own personnel, workshop and office space embedded alongside the build program. It’s a significant step up for a Tasmanian company, and one we’re approaching deliberately, growing our South Australian team in a considered way so we can support a program of this scale and importance for the long term.
“Whatever the scale of our growth, our roots will always be firmly in Tasmania, and we look forward to working closely with the team at BAE Systems Maritime Australia to deliver this program for the Royal Australian Navy.”
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