The testing will encompass a wide range of services including radiographic testing, ultrasonic testing, penetrant testing, and weld quality testing.
This testing is a key enabler in BAE Systems Maritime Australia’s ability to maintain the high level of quality and durability that has been achieved during both the prototyping phase of the Hunter program, and now on units and blocks which will comprise the first Hunter Class frigate.
Andy Coxall, Acquisition Director for BAE Systems Australia – Maritime, welcomed the contract award with Intertek AIS.
“The Hunter program is embedding a sovereign continuous naval shipbuilding capability in Australia, and our work with Australian suppliers is key to this,” Andy said.
“The exceptional quality we have achieved, first on prototype blocks and now on units which make up part of the first Hunter Class frigate, is a testament to the highly skilled people we have working at the Osborne Naval Shipyard.”
AIS has been involved in the Hunter program since 2020, when it was contracted to provide testing services during the prototyping phase of the Hunter program.
Simon Mortimore, General Manager for Intertek Adelaide Inspection Services, said that through AIS, Intertek has had a long association with shipbuilding in South Australia.
“We are very pleased to be able to extend our great working partnership with BAE Systems Australia on Batch 1 production for the Hunter Class frigates,” Simon said.
“Intertek’s uncompromising commitment to quality, safety and sustainability, backed by the global expertise of our people, pioneering technological innovations and our science‐based customer excellence advantage, allows us to continue delivering the technical services that BAE Systems has come to expect,” he said.
“The award of this contract cements Intertek’s AIS team as the leading provider of Total Quality Assurance solutions and inspection services in South Australia and we are proud to be part of such an important program.”
AIS specialises in non-destructive and destructive testing in many industries, including mining and defence.
Through this contract, AIS employees will be permanently based at the Osborne Naval Shipyard to conduct the testing.
