Photo: Defence Connect

The Commonwealth has formally announced it has awarded a contract extension to the Warship Asset Management Agreement (WAMA) partners, securing the future of critical ship management capability at the Henderson shipyard in Western Australia.

The WAMA is an alliance of BAE Systems Australia, Saab Australia, Naval Ship Management, and the Commonwealth government and sustains hundreds of skilled shipbuilding jobs at Henderson supporting a strong local supply chain.

BAE Systems Australia maritime delivery director Greg Laxton welcomed the announcement, saying, “We’re excited to continue our work with the WAMA delivering through life support and asset management of the Anzac Class and progressing to deliver the Transition Capability Assurance Program (TransCAP) which will include providing greater missile capability for the ships.

“We have developed a critical ship management capability at Henderson which has delivered significant ship-to-ship efficiencies. We’re investing in the local facilities, bringing innovation from the Hunter Class Frigate Program and the digital shipyard at Osborne to Henderson,” he added.
The timing of the TransCAP will align with BAE Systems’ plans to modernise its Henderson site so that complex capability upgrades can be delivered more efficiently.

The contract extension will cover the final 12 months of the current AMCAP which is due to finish in 2024 following upgrades on HMAS Ballarat and HMAS Parramatta.

Saab Australia managing director Andy Keough CSC expanded on Laxton’s comments, saying, “As the nation’s sovereign combat management system provider for the Royal Australian Navy’s surface fleet, Saab Australia is delighted to continue its long-term role as the combat systems integrator for Australia’s Anzac Class frigates, delivering cutting-edge capability and in-service support under the WAMA contract.”
Babcock Australasia’s general manager, warships Australia, Gavin Stewart said, “Babcock, through its Australian warship division Naval Ship Management, welcomes the extension of the WAMA. We look forward to building on the 10+ years of experience already provided in safely delivering the sustainment needs of the Royal Australian Navy for the Anzac Class platform.

“Our close partnerships with local industry in both Henderson and Sydney and the promotion of sovereign engagement, combined with the dedication and skills of our people, enables us to reliably provide this national maritime sustainment solution for the RAN. We are proud of the contribution we make under the WAMA, to keep the Anzac fleet at sea, operationally available, and effective,” Steward added.

It will also cover the start of the TransCAP which will see work start on HMAS Anzac, Warramunga, and Arunta to ensure they continue to serve and protect Australia.
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