Navantia Australia announced it has formally opened its Naval Design and Engineering Centre in Melbourne’s Docklands precinct.
The opening ceremony took place on April 24, with Victorian defense industry advocate, Greg Combet, Navantia’s global chairman Esteban Vilasanchez and Navantia Australia chairman Warren King in attendance.
Navantia says the facility would complement its Adelaide operations and design center.
According to the company, the Melbourne center, led by operations manager Jamie Gibbs, is focused on developing Australia’s future frigate capability and supporting the Hobart-class destroyers. Following the designation of Navantia Australia as class manager of the Hobart-class in February 2018, Navantia Australia is now responsible for maintenance of the design configuration of the three Hobart destroyers, in addition to having full authority for the design of the F-5000, Navantia’s proposed future frigate.
“The local capability which Navantia Australia has developed is significant,” said Vilasanchez. “Navantia is immensely proud of the capability we are delivering to the Royal Australian Navy in the Hobart-class. With the formal transfer of the Hobart-class design authority, Navantia Australia is in an excellent position to lead the development of a sovereign naval capability. This new office will be instrumental in delivering top class design and engineering services for Australia.”