Pacific Marine Batteries will supply replacement batteries and technical support for the Australian Navy’s Collins Class submarines under an $81m contract.

Minister for Defence Materiel and Science Greg Combet said the company would provide the submarine battery sets and technical support over the next six years.

“The company will continue to provide an Environmental Protection Authority-approved storage facility for up to four battery sets with two in storage and two being ready for disposal,” he said.

In addition, Pacific Marine will also provide equipment to condition the cells before their installation in a submarine and disposal services at the end of the useful life of each battery set.