Babcock Australasia has achieved a significant milestone by successfully trialing an innovative composite repair technology on several ships from the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) and the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN). This breakthrough has dramatically reduced maintenance times from what traditionally took months to mere days.
The new method, known as Fiber Reinforced Polymer, presents a durable alternative to conventional steel repairs. One of its key advantages is the ability to perform repairs without hot works and to cure even when submerged in water. The technology was put to the test on three naval vessels: the HMNZS Aotearoa and HMNZS Te Mana of the RNZN, as well as HMAS Ballarat of the RAN. The trials addressed various maintenance challenges, including corrosion issues, deck renewals, and floor remediation.
Notably, repairs on the HMNZS Aotearoa were astonishingly completed in just eight days, a remarkable turnaround compared to the typical four to six months required using traditional methods. Furthermore, these repairs achieved Lloyd’s class approval in less than 24 hours, underscoring the efficiency and reliability of this new technology.
Babcock has collaborated with FUZE, a specialist in composite solutions with a notable history in the mining and offshore sectors, to implement both scheduled and emergency maintenance using this advanced method.
The successful trials align with broader initiatives undertaken by the RAN and RNZN aimed at modernizing their fleet maintenance and repair capabilities. The RAN has progressively enhanced its fleet sustainment strategies through initiatives such as Plan Galileo and the establishment of the Regional Maintenance Centre Network. Recently, a substantial $2-billion maintenance contract was announced, which aims to consolidate maintenance operations for major RAN vessels.
In parallel, the RNZN has been making significant investments in lightweight repair materials and rapid-response teams to improve maintenance operations while at sea. Their ongoing Frigate Sustainment Communications project, launched in 2021, seeks to modernize the HMNZS Te Kaha and Te Mana, specifically focusing on upgrading communications systems to ensure operational readiness and interoperability through the next decade.
These developments signify a pivotal step towards a more efficient and proactive approach to naval maintenance in Australia and New Zealand, enhancing the capabilities and readiness of both nations’ naval forces.
