Navantia and NSAG have signed a $2.8m purchase order which will see NSAG supply the Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS) to the Royal Australian Navy's AOR (Auxiliary Oil Replenishment) ships currently under construction under Defence’s SEA1654 program. The order was signed in Adelaide on 23rd. May.

A critical control system on-board a Navy vessel, the IPMS is key to the safety of sailors and provides a significant control over ship operation. The IPMS developed by NSAG has already been installed on the two Canberra Class Amphibious Assault Ships and aboard the three Hobart Class Destroyers.

NSAG, a Navantia Australia and SAGE Automation Joint Venture will install the enclosures and consoles and provide IPMS support under a 5-year support contract.

Navantia Australia’s Managing Director Francisco Barón has welcomed the announcement and used the occasion to highlight the importance of partnering with Australian experts to contribute to the Australian shipbuilding industry.

“NSAG will play a critical role in continuing to develop skills to support the naval shipbuilding industry into the future as we support the Government’s naval shipbuilding enterprise”, Mr Barón said. “The NSAG joint venture between Navantia Australia and SAGE Automation is a key partnership which Navantia Australia has undertaken to help grow Australian skills and capabilities to contribute to these important programs.”

SAGE Automation’s CEO Adrian Fahey says that this partnership drives diversification and supports Australian business.

“NSAG has the capability, resources and commitment to remain a key member of the local supply chain for naval shipbuilding and ongoing support in Australia”.

“This successful partnership has been a catalyst in our diversification to become an advanced manufacturer, which is enabling us to compete globally and support other Australian businesses to do the same” Mr Fahey concluded.

NSAG has submitted proposals for the Offshore Patrol Vessels and will be part of Navantia’s bid for the Future Frigates, opportunities that will bring to South Australian jobs that are in the most innovative space of the shipbuilding.

This latest contract brings the total Royal Australian Navy (RAN) ships with the NSAG IPMS to a total of 7, supporting more than 1500 crew to operate the RAN’s newest naval assets.

Source: Navantia