UK defense contractor Babcock has been selected to become marine systems support partner (MSSP) for the Royal Navy’s new Queen Elizabeth-class (QEC) aircraft carriers and Type 45 destroyers.
The company said it was selected as preferred bidder for all four elements of a Ministry of Defence program that is potentially worth in the region of £360m over seven years.
Under the contract, Babcock will become the systems technical authority (STA) for the platform and propulsion systems on both classes of vessel.
As STA, Babcock will manage the technical configuration of those systems, manage obsolescence issues and work with the equipment suppliers to develop and manage system upgrades.
MSSP includes all power and propulsion systems including gas turbines, diesel engines, electrical distribution and platform management systems as well as a variety of on-board systems, including air conditioning, filtration, waste management, valves and pumps, fire-fighting equipment, highly mechanised equipment, lifts, cranes and refuel-at-sea capabilities. As part of MSSP, Babcock will also supply spares and in-service support to mitigate the risks to maritime equipment availability arising from routine maintenance and unforeseen in-service failures.
Babcock’s down-selection for all four elements of MSSP comes shortly after the news that the company has secured a seven year contract from the Ministry of Defence, valued at up to £70m, for all six maritime equipment consumables (MEC) packages.
Under the new MEC contracts Babcock will provide a supply management capability to ensure that the consumable spares needs and requirements of Royal Navy ships and submarines are met and will have overall responsibility for project, quality, risk, obsolescence and performance management.
“Our selection as the MoD and Royal Navy’s partner for MSSP and MEC represents a real vote of confidence in our capabilities and performance as the Royal Navy’s key support partner, ” said Babcock Chief Executive Archie Bethel . “This has been a highly successful year for our EMOC team and we look forward to supporting the iconic Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers as they are delivered into service.”