Fin stabilisers are rotating, wing-like structures mounted below the waterline that reduce the ship’s rolling motion caused by waves, improving comfort, safety and operational effectiveness, in rough seas or during delicate operations such as helicopter landings.
Planning for this milestone began more than two years ago, led by BAE System Australia’s Manufacturing Engineering team with support from Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain and the equipment supplier. The result was a tailored strategy unique to Hunter production, that combined lessons learned from the UK’s Type 26 manufacturing processes with innovative Australian solutions to achieve the Fin Stabiliser installation.
At Osborne Naval Shipyard, the Dimensional Control team surveyed the cut-out location with millimetre accuracy, enabling the Production team to remove the shell plate with a near-perfect 2mm tolerance around the stabiliser housing.
This impressive level of accuracy for such a complex and critical operation drew praise from across the program.
The precision achieved here is a credit to both the Dimensional Control and Production. The stabiliser installation is yet another example of the whole-of-program excellence that underpins every milestone we reach on Hunter.Dane Horrigan, Integrated Work Team Construction Manager.
BAE’s Director of Acquisition and Build, BAE Systems Maritime Australia, Andy Coxall said to add to the complexity, the method used to lift and position the stabiliser into the hull was a custom-engineered solution designed in-house by the Production Design Engineering team.
“The fin stabiliser base plate was installed from underneath the hull, without the fin blade attached, to mitigate the risk of damage during installation”, said Andy.
Within the team, the outcome was regarded as a milestone in demonstrating the value of in-house innovation.
“This strategy reduces rework, improves safety and quality, increases build efficiency, and lowers cost. The baseplate was lifted into the hull in under 24 hours, setting a benchmark for future operations”, said Construction Manager Andy Crerar.
Fin stabiliser installed as first Category A major equipment on Ship 1
Fin stabiliser installed as first Category A major equipment on Ship 1
Andrew Brinthaban, Production Design Engineering Manager explained the team’s innovative approach:
“The team designed a cradle to manoeuvre the 6.3t stabiliser baseplate across the platform beneath the block, and a lifting arrangement to safely raise it into position within the spatial and structural limitations of the ship", said Andrew.
"The solution considered the entire lifecycle of the fin stabiliser during ship construction. This required supplier engagement to deliver the stabiliser in two assemblies – a major departure from the methodology used in the UK.
"This installation solution is unique to Hunter’s block consolidation strategy, incorporating both lessons learnt from Type 26 and our own experiences on previous Australian shipbuilding programs".
Jason Karutz, Manufacturing Engineering Manager said the activity represented a significant first for the business with the direct application of manufacturing artefacts to the integration of major Cat A equipment.
“The strategy provided oversight of the Fin Stabiliser from the initial flat piece of steel to full integration and production testing”, said Jason.
“Cross-functional collaboration was critical to success”.
As Ship 1’s construction advances, these engineering and production achievements continue to reflect the collaborative strength and technical expertise of the Osborne workforce in delivering to the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) one of the world’s most advanced anti-submarine warships.