Babcock Australasia has incorporated three Australian companies into its international supply chain to provide maintenance services on the Royal New Zealand Navy’s (RZN) HMNZS Te Kaha frigate, while in Australian territory.
HMNZS Te Kaha is the RZNF’s first Anzac-class frigate, purpose-built as a warship based on the German MEKO 200 design. In 2023, the vessel underwent a refit programme and conducted sea trials in Canada.
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The five contracts, awarded to Franmarine, Allship Engineering, and Ausbright Electrical, encompasse an array of tasks including hull inspection, cleaning, and various mechanical and electrical services.
This marks the first instance Babcock has secured contracts through the Global Supply Chain Programme.
The programme is a Commonwealth strategy aimed at fostering a sustainable and domestic defence capability by promoting Australian enterprises in the global market.
Since joining the GSC Program in July 2024, Babcock’s team has been seeking export opportunities for its domestic suppliers.
The team operates from Australia and the UK, pinpointing capability gaps and facilitating access to international markets.
Babcock Australasia Global Supply Chain programme manager Kellie Jenkins said: “Babcock is committed to finding, advocating and providing long-term contract opportunities for our supplier base in a highly competitive export market, so we are thrilled to have secured this first lot of contracts through the Global Supply Chain Program.”
“By evaluating our global supply chain and identifying areas where local capabilities from the likes of Franmarine Allship Engineering and Ausbright Electrical can be integrated, we are not just enhancing our operational efficiency but also fostering a sustainable ecosystem for the defence industry.”
Over the past six months, Babcock’s GSC Program representatives have engaged in eight major international events.
These events include the MSPO Trade Show in Poland, Land Forces in Melbourne, and the EuroNaval Trade Show in London. Additionally, they have conducted numerous meetings with pivotal stakeholders like Austrade, CASG, and global trade officials.
Looking ahead, Babcock’s team plans to visit New Zealand in April with the objective of promoting Australian-made solutions.
