Australian Hunter Frigates to Receive Lift, Hoist Systems From Babcock

Rojoef ManuelJanuary 28, 2025

1 minute read

Babcock has signed a contract to supply lift and hoist systems for the Royal Australian Navy’s Hunter-class frigate construction program.

The 30-million Australian dollar ($18.7 million) deal will deliver procurement, modification, and integration services for separate lift and hoist solutions aboard three ships being constructed by program partner BAE Systems Maritime Australia.

Upon the frigates’ completion, Babcock’s lift technology will function as the primary movement device for ammunition and military supply between decks, while the hoist will assist transport of meals from the galley to dining areas.

The design of the machines will be derived from systems inside the UK Royal Navy’s future City-class or Type 26 frigates on which Canberra’s Hunter vessels were based.

Pictured: Type 26 Frigate HMS Cardiff being moved to Loch Long. HMS Cardiff, the second of the Royal Navys new City Class Type 26 frigates, was loaded onto a giant barge last week. The ship, which weighs almost 7,000 tonnes, sailed down the River Clyde on Friday, August 30 to Loch Long, where she will be lowered into the water for the first time at Glen Mallan. Once HMS Cardiff is in the water, she will make her way back up the Clyde to BAE Systems yard at Scotstoun where the work to fit the warship out will be completed. Currently Scottish shipyards have orders to build 13 Royal Navy frigates, with the Type 31 vessels being built by Babcock at Rosyth on the east coast, and the Type 26 ships being constructed by BAE Systems on the Clyde. — Second Royal Navy City Class Type 26 frigate, the HMS Cardiff. Photo: LPhot Stuart Dickson/UK Royal Navy

“The ability to effectively move stores around a ship is vital for maintaining readiness and effectiveness during missions,” Babcock Australasia CEO Andrew Cridland said.

“Our quality solutions will ensure that the crew can access the resources they need when they need them, enhancing both performance and safety.”

Continuing Partnership

Corresponding work for the lift and hoist solutions will be performed at Babcock’s center at Woodville North in Adelaide, which opened in October 2024 to expand industrial support for Australian Navy and Army programs.

Meanwhile, the integration of components will be conducted at the Osborne Naval Shipyard, where the production of the Hunter frigates is taking place.

BAE Systems is scheduled to finalize manufacturing of the program’s lead warship in the early 2030s.

“The Osborne Naval Shipyard is now approaching peak production with the construction of the first Hunter class frigate well underway,” BAE Systems Australia Maritime’s Paul Berryman stated.

“We are focused on providing the world’s best anti-submarine warfare capability for the Royal Australian Navy, and this contract is a key enabler to progressing the build of the Hunter class.

“We are proud to continue our relationship with Babcock Australasia on the Hunter Class Frigate Program through this contract.”