Australia’s submarine building program has attracted international advanced manufacturing companies to set up locally, with French propulsion and power generation systems firm, Jeumont Electric establishing an agreement with ASC to have a local presence.
Signed at the PACIFIC 2019 naval exhibition, the Heads of Agreement creates a steering committee to find opportunities for Jeumont Electric and ASC as part of the Collins Class and Attack Class submarine programs.
The agreement also expands to cover the marine generator and rotating electrical machinery market.
Potential forms that these opportunities could take include contracts for future work, through joint ventures, teaming, and other arrangements. Such partnerships extend the possibilities generated by the submarine programs, said Stuart Whiley, ASC CEO.
“This Heads of Agreement with Jeumont Electric will help to meet the future demands of both the Collins Class and Attack Class future submarine programs and identify diversification opportunities for both companies,” said Whiley.
With the lifespan of the Collins Class submarine to be extended to the 2030s, submarine sustainment will involve a skilled workforce such as that brought together in this agreement.
“ASC is the home of Australia’s high performing submarine sustainment workforce, employing 1,300 skilled personnel, delivering submarine availability never before seen for the Royal Australian Navy,” said Whiley.
Jeumont supplies the main propulsion and power generation systems to the Collins class submarines and is working towards its advanced permanent magnet propulsion motors being part of the extension of the Collins class and the Attack Class.
“We look forward to jointly working with Jeumont Electric, in Australia and in France, to expand our capabilities and support Australia’s historic submarine industry expansion in coming years,” said Whiley.
If successful, the two companies hope to extend their collaboration to areas beyond submarines.
“Beyond the naval business opportunities, this cooperation will enable the two partners to develop various other markets for which Jeumont Electric has solid knowhow and high levels of innovation,” said Jeumont Electric CEO, Brahim Ammar.