Navantia Australia, a leading maritime design and engineering company, has recently secured a significant contract with the Royal Australian Navy. The Designer Support Contract (DSC) awarded to Navantia Australia marks a pivotal moment for the company, as it is their first direct contract with the Commonwealth of Australia (CoA). This achievement underscores Navantia Australia’s dedication to innovation and excellence in the maritime industry.
The DSC encompasses comprehensive design and engineering support for all Navantia-designed ships currently in service with the Royal Australian Navy. This includes the Hobart Class Destroyers (DDGs), Canberra Class Landing Helicopter Docks (LHDs), LHD Landing Craft (LLCs), and Supply Class Auxiliary Oiler Replenishment Vessels (AORs). The contract was the result of a rigorous Request for Tender process and extensive negotiations with the Department of Defence.
The significance of this contract was highlighted by the presence of Navantia’s Chairman, Mr. Ricardo Dominguez Garcia-Baquero, Navantia Spain’s Chief Operations Officer Gonzalo Mateo-Guerrero, and Navantia’s Chairman advisor and Chief of Staff, Vice Admiral (Ret’d) Javier Romero at the ceremony. Dominguez emphasized that the contract reflects Navantia Australia’s experience in lifecycle support and their commitment to serving the Commonwealth of Australia.
Navantia Australia’s managing director, Israel Lozano, expressed that this contract builds upon the Strategic Agreement Principles document signed between the Royal Australian Navy, Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group (CASG), Navantia, and Navantia Australia. This agreement designated Navantia Australia as the Platform Design Agent for all Navantia-designed vessels, solidifying their role in providing end-to-end change management and engineering services for the assets covered in the contract.
Mateo-Guerrero, Chief Operations Officer of Navantia Spain, highlighted the importance of the DSC in supporting the new Maritime Sustainment Model. He emphasized that Navantia Australia’s deep product knowledge and baseline management will ensure design integrity throughout sustainment and continuous improvement activities, contributing to the seaworthiness, availability, and cost-effectiveness of the Navy’s fleet.
By appointing Navantia Australia as the sole DSC entity for the designated assets, the CoA aims to implement cross-platform efficiencies and foster sovereign innovation opportunities. This decision was met with enthusiasm by Navantia Australia’s Chief Operations Officer, Jamie Gibbs, who described the contract as the largest the company has signed in its 13 years of operation. He highlighted the long-term stability it provides to the workforce and the industry, enabling the growth of local engineering jobs.
The DSC framework and term offer Navantia Australia the opportunity to invest in building sovereign engineering capabilities by expanding training pathways and fostering collaborations with academia and industry. The company is dedicated to enhancing Australia’s engineering capabilities through the DSC framework and looks forward to continuing its strong partnership with the CoA in the years to come.
In conclusion, Navantia Australia’s Designer Support Contract with the Royal Australian Navy represents a significant milestone for the company and underscores their commitment to excellence in the maritime industry. This contract not only solidifies their role as a key player in providing design and engineering support but also paves the way for future collaborations and innovations in maritime sustainment.
