Babcock Australasia (Babcock) and Franmarine have signed a new agreement to deliver critical underwater sustainment and biofouling management services for naval marine programs across Australia.
As part of the RMP-West Program, Babcock and Franmarine are now able to provide integrated biofouling management support to all Defence surface ships located in Western Australia.
The partnership uses unique technology enabling the Royal Australian Navy’s (RAN) fleet to meet the Australian biofouling management requirements, keeping Australian waters safe and secure by preventing the introduction and spread of invasive marine species.
The services will be delivered through the Warship Assist Management Agreement (WAMA), Asset Class Prime Contractor (ACPC) and Regional Maintenance Provider West (RMP West) programs.
Babcock and Franmarine have delivered biofouling management and ships husbandry capability to the RAN since 2018, supporting the Anzac Class Frigates through the WAMA sustainment program, and the Landing Helicopter Docks (LHDs) through the ACPC program.
The Babcock and Franmarine partnership enabled the development of MarineStream™ – an integrated block-chain enabled biofouling management system – that is providing tangible benefits to the RAN.
It has also provided a platform for Franmarine to further develop and export its technology which enables ships to comply with all national and international biofouling regulations and standards, improving safety and efficiency.
Babcock Australasia Acting Managing Director – Marine Simon Spratt said: “Babcock’s partnership with Franmarine demonstrates our commitment to invest in local industry to deliver innovation and capability to the Australian Defence Force.
“This is a great example of how Babcock continues to support small and medium enterprises. We remain committed to supporting and growing our sovereign supply chain, helping Australia to remain safe and secure.”
Franmarine CEO Adam Falconer-West said the partnership with Babcock was instrumental to the company’s growth in the region.
“Franmarine now delivers a holistic biofouling management capability while continually augmenting conventional ships husbandry capability with innovation and technology. This approach has proven to enhance productivity outputs and deliverables,” said Mr Falconer-West.
“Partnerships like this one with Babcock enable reoccurring investment in research and development programmes that lead to positive innovation and technology outcomes which ultimately benefit the Commonwealth of Australia.”