7 December 2023
Australia’s maritime capability has received a major boost as the third and fourth Regional Maintenance Providers (RMPs) in the network of Regional Maintenance Centres (RMCs) were announced recently.
Thales Australia was awarded the seven-year contract to operate within the newly established RMC East at Garden Island Defence Precinct in Sydney, while Norsta North Pty Ltd won the five-year contract.
Following a competitive tender process, Thales Australia secured the RMP East contract that ensures the coordination of maintenance for Navy’s surface vessels and the development of resilient local and regional supply chains in the east region.
Norsta North, in the role of RMP North, will enable more vessels, potentially including those from allied nations, to be maintained there.
This will ensure these vessels can return to operations sooner, and reduce large transit voyages to southern home ports.
Head Maritime Sustainment Rear Admiral Steve Tiffen, who attended both contract signings, said the contract awards were an important demonstration of Australian industry partnerships that would lift Defence capability in the east and in the north.
“Having an RMC in Darwin offers a strategic advantage due to its geographic location in northern Australia and its proximity to key Navy operating areas,” Rear Admiral Tiffen said.
“The presence of the RMC will also have positive economic impacts for the Darwin region, with the contract expected to have a value of about $150 million, and to create and sustain 37 direct jobs and 56 indirect jobs.”
Rear Admiral Tiffen also said RMC East’s role in Defence’s national approach to sustainment is important, with the RMC being the largest and most complex centre in the network.
“This will contribute to Defence’s national approach to sustainment in support of continuous naval shipbuilding and the deteriorating strategic environment,” Rear Admiral Tiffen said.
“It is critical that we develop our sovereign naval shipbuilding industrial capability. It is important in the generation of jobs, but it is imperative for the security of our sea lines of communication and maritime trade.
“As we formally establish RMCs East and North, we are delighted to welcome Thales Australia and Norsta North as the awarded RMPs, marking a significant milestone in building our broader network of RMCs,” Rear Admiral Tiffen said.
In the initial phase, RMC East will support the sustainment of Navy’s Canberra-class landing helicopter docks, Hobart-class destroyer guided missile and HMAS Choules.
As the home of the major fleet units for Navy, Garden Island Defence Precinct is a strategic asset for the delivery of naval capability.
