Babcock Australasia has expanded its servicing capabilities by completing an intermediate maintenance availability (IMAV) on the Arafura-class offshore patrol vessel (OPV), NUSHIP Arafura.
This development marks an extension of Babcock’s operational scope as the Regional Maintenance Provider West (RMP West).
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The staff and repair agents of Babcock dedicated more than 4,000 hours of work to the maintenance initiative.
This precision servicing addressed key ship systems and included multiple ancillary craft aboard the OPV, such as Rapid Intercept Craft and Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats.
The maintenance schedule was carried out in tandem with shipbuilder Luerssen Australia’s ongoing work.
This collaboration has been pivotal in achieving the Initial Operational Release under project SEA1180.
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By GlobalDataThe IMAV signifies RMP West’s first maintenance project that concluded at the recently extended Oxley Wharf located on Garden Island, off the coast of Western Australia.
Babcock Australasia RMP-West Program director Gary Potts said: “In addition to the ship’s crew, Babcock worked in close collaboration with stakeholders from the Regional Maintenance Centre, Navy’s Minor Vessel Systems Program Office, and SEA1180 contractor, Luerssen Australia.
“Importantly it has given our supply chain repair agents exposure to a new asset class, including a substantial number of organic maintenance tasks that offered key learnings.”
NUSHIP Arafura is the inaugural vessel of its class to receive servicing under the Maritime Sustainment Model.
This Defence initiative aims to standardise the Royal Australian Navy fleet maintenance.
With the addition of the Arafura-class vessels to its portfolio, Babcock builds on its extensive maintenance capabilities across Australasia and worldwide.
In January 2025, Babcock incorporated three Australian companies into its international supply chain to provide maintenance services on the Royal New Zealand Navy’s HMNZS Te Kaha frigate, while in Australian territory.
