BAE to continue supporting hydrographic fleet

BAE Systems Australia has been awarded a one year, $14 million contract extension that will see the company continue to support the Royal Australian Navy’s hydrographic fleet until the end of this year.

The announcement was made on Wednesday in Cairns by Minister for Defence Peter Dutton.

Under the Hydrographic In Service Support Contract (HISSC), which is now in its 14th year, BAE Systems is responsible for forecasting, planning and delivering all maintenance requirements for the Leeuwin Class Hydrographic ship, the Fantome Class Survey Motor Boat, the Paluma Class Survey Motor Launch and the Antarctic Survey Vessel.

“This contract extension reflects our continued focus to look for more innovative ways to support the fleet and increase our competitiveness," BAE Systems Maritime Australia Managing Director, Craig Lockhart, said. “The Hydrographic In Service Support Contract demonstrates an important industrial capability which has been built up over many years in Cairns to meet the needs of the Royal Australian Navy.

“Our highly skilled team is growing providing local know how, complemented by our national maritime sustainment business, which ensures that the Navy has the capability it requires, when it is needed.

“As we look to enter our third decade of supporting the Navy in Cairns, BAE Systems continues to be a long term trusted partner.”