Businesses around Australia will manufacture, assemble and supply thousands of valves for the first batch of three Hunter class frigates, building Australian industry capability that will support continuous naval shipbuilding for future defence projects.
Working with the global independent valve company and the Commonwealth, BAE Systems has secured a firm commitment from Score that a significant amount of value ($26m) and contracts will flow through the Australian supply chain.
Significant engagement and market analysis was undertaken to ensure a value for money outcome was achieved that maximised benefits for Australian industry.
Twelve companies from five States will be subcontracted by Score to part manufacture, supply and assemble more than 300 different types of wholeship valves.
BAE Systems, Australia CEO, Ben Hudson said the company is committed to maximising opportunities for Australian businesses and thus creating Australian jobs, so we’re delighted a significant portion of valve assembly and testing will be done in Australia, by Australians.
“Securing such a significant portion of the valves scope for Australian companies is testament to our teams’ collaboration with industry and the Commonwealth,” he said.
“As the Hunter program matures towards a second batch of Hunter class frigates, there will be opportunities for other Australian businesses to join the valves supply chain.
“Growing Australian industry capability is essential to ensure we support Australia’s continuous naval shipbuilding strategy for future generations.”
Score Australasia Director, Keith Simpson, said there is a shared commitment to driving sovereign capability by increasing Australian manufacturing content and adding value to the local economy through the entire supply chain.
“This is a huge opportunity for Australian manufacturing, and we look forward to working with local manufacturers, both current and new, in achieving the best possible outcomes for the Hunter program and for Australian industry,” he explained.
There are 305 types of valves in each Hunter class frigate, and 5,273 valves per ship. The largest valves are upwards of 400mm bore size, while the smallest is 5mm. Valves are spread throughout the warship in the many different subsystems.
At the state-of-the-art Osborne Naval Shipyard in South Australia, BAE Systems Australia will build 9 of the world’s most advanced anti-submarine warfare frigates for the Royal Australian Navy — a formidable fleet of warships critical to helping protect the nation for decades to come.
Advancements have been made on the Hunter Class Frigate program – read more here.