A&P Group, Thales Australia Sign Agreement to Provide Support Services to HMAS Choules

UK-based A&P Group and Thales Australia have signed an agreement to provide through life support services to HMAS CHOULES – the Royal Australian Navy’s new Bay Class Landing Ship Dock.

A&P Group has an existing support contract with the Defence Materiel Organisation for the interim support of the vessel, which Thales Australia will play a key role in delivering through its ship upgrade, maintenance and repair capabilities based at Garden Island in Sydney, NSW.

A&P Group is also seeking a long term support arrangement with DMO that will capitalise on the experience gained by A&P Group on support of HMAS CHOULES and the three sister ships operated by UK MoD through an integrated Cluster Contract signed in 2008.

Max Sothcott, A&P Group Business Development Director – Defence, commented that “A&P Group completed the refit for HMAS CHOULES prior to her departure for Australia, and has been supporting the vessel under this interim contract with the DMO. With her arrival into RAN service, we are seeking a long term arrangement with an Australian provider to maximise the Australian industrial participation for long term sustainment of the vessel, and Thales Australia is that preferred provider.”

“This is a prime example of how industry cooperation can create effective sustainment solutions,” said Thales Australia CEO Chris Jenkins.

“We have extensive local expertise based on years of experience operating the Garden Island dockyard, working on a wide variety of RAN and commercial vessels, and developing an in-depth understanding of local customer requirements.

“These strengths, combined with A&P Group’s detailed knowledge of HMAS CHOULES and its own significant service capabilities, enable us to deliver an effective and collaborative sustainment capability to the Navy and the Department of Defence.

A&P Group has already liaised extensively with Thales Australia personnel to commence establishment of a local Cluster Support Team over the coming months.

The two companies are also currently exploring other cooperation opportunities regarding other next generation RAN vessels.

About A&P Group
A&P Group is a leading engineering services and fabrication group providing tailor-made solutions for customers in the global marine and energy sectors. Originally founded as a centre of expertise in ship design and construction in 1971, A&P Group and remains 100% privately owned. Its trusted and proven heritage in marine engineering services has become a dynamic catalyst for future-facing development and innovation.

A&P Group’s global leadership in ship repair, ship conversion and marine services is born out of expertise, market-strength and dedication to delivering complex projects. The company provides robust, bespoke solutions and maintain a collaborative, open approach that inspires long-lasting and trusted partnerships with each of client.

Operating some of the world’s best-equipped marine services facilities across three strategic yard sites in the UK and a worldwide network of agents and preferred suppliers, A&P Group is able to offer far-reaching capabilities across the globe.

About Thales
Thales is a global technology leader for the Defence & Security and the Aerospace & Transport markets. In 2010, the company generated revenues of €13.1 billion (equivalent of AUD 18.9 billion) with 68,000 employees in 50 countries. With its 22,500 engineers and researchers, Thales has a unique capability to design, develop and deploy equipment, systems and services that meet the most complex security requirements. Thales has an exceptional international footprint, with operations around the world working with customers as local partners.

Thales Australia is a trusted partner of the Australian Defence Force and is also present in commercial sectors ranging from air traffic management to security systems and services. Employing around 3,300 people in over 35 sites across the country, Thales Australia recorded revenues of around AUD 900 million in 2010.

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Naval Today Staff , January 31, 2012; Image: navy