Navantia secures designer support contract for Australian Navy’s vessels

Navantia Australia has been awarded a designer support contract to provide comprehensive design and engineering support to all Navantia-designed ships in service with the Royal Australian Navy. 

As disclosed, this landmark contract marks a significant milestone for Navantia Australia, as it is the company’s first contract held directly with the Commonwealth of Australia (CoA). It covers services for Hobart-class destroyers, Canberra-class landing helicopter docks (LHDs), LHD landing craft (LLCs), and Supply-class auxiliary oiler replenishment vessels (AORs).

The agreement, which was signed today (March 19) at Fleet Headquarters in Sydney, follows a request for tender and an extensive negotiation process with the Department of Defense.

The DSC framework and term provide Navantia Australia the opportunity to continue to invest in building sovereign engineering capabilities by expanding training pathways, according to the company.

Navantia Australia’s managing director Israel Lozano said this engagement builds upon the Strategic Agreement Principles document signed between the Royal Australian Navy, Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group (CASG), Navantia, and Navantia Australia, which designated Navantia Australia as the Platform Design Agent for all Navantia-designed vessels.

“The DSC provides end-to-end change management and engineering services to the assets incorporated in the contract, providing Navantia Australia the platform to partner with the CoA and explore greater, innovative solutions for sustainment and asset management. The DSC scope amalgamates Navantia Australia’s extant Support Services contracts for the Royal Australian Navy’s DDGs, LHDs, LLCs, and AORs, as well as the Platform System Designer Deed into the one contractual arrangement,” he added.

Mateo-Guererro, Chief Operations Officer of Navantia Spain said “the DSC will be a vital component to the success of the new Maritime Sustainment Model as Navantia Australia’s deep product knowledge and baseline management will facilitate design integrity throughout sustainment and continuous improvement activities.”

“This, combined with the capability to collaborate and effectively communicate within the Enterprise environment will contribute to ensure the Navy’s fleet is assured of seaworthiness, availability of assets, and reduced cost through life.”