Australian Attack-class submarines: Contracts for MSB design awarded

Adelaide-based PMB Defence and Greek Sunlight have won contracts for the design of the main storage batteries (MSB) stages 1 and 2 for Royal Australian Navy’s new Attack-class submarines.

The two companies have been contracted to provide design, prototyping and qualification activities for the main storage batteries.

Both organizations will provide Naval Group with the data necessary to select one as the preferred MSB design for the Attack-class program in 2022.

“The supply contract will be awarded to the organisation that provides a technically superior design, represents the best value for money and demonstrates a strong commitment to the program’s Australian Industry Capability requirements,” John Davis, CEO, Naval Group Australia, explained.

“Naval Group will continue to work with both parties in a range of areas moving forwards to ensure best program outcomes and the maximisation of the involvement of Australian industry in all phases on the contract.”

The main storage batteries are responsible for supplying power to the propulsion system of the submarine and to other equipment on-board the ship. They directly impact the safety of the submarine when diving, making them a critical piece of equipment for the platform.

PMB is a supplier of energy and specialised engineering solutions for submarine platforms in Australia. Since 1989 the company has continuously supplied MSB’s for the Collins Class and more recently has been contracted to design the UK’s next-generation submarine battery.

Sunlight is a submarine battery designer and manufacturer with an extensive knowledge of submarines.

The Australian Government’s AUD 50 billion program will see 12 Attack-class submarines designed and built for the Australian Navy.