ASC Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Steve Ludlam said today that a Federal Government review into the optimal commercial framework for the sustainment of the Royal Australian Navy’s six Collins Class submarines is a key step in ASC’s commitment to improving the availability of the fleet.
ASC enhanced its commitment to submarine sustainment with the appointment of Mr Ludlam in January 2010.
This was followed by the establishment of the Australian Submarine Program Office (ASPO) in February 2010.
ASPO has created a strong working relationship between the RAN, Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO) and ASC - the three key players in sustaining Australia’s submarine capability.
A major organisational restructure across ASC in May 2010 focused on delivering a sustainable Collins Class fleet to the RAN within tightly prescribed financial parameters.
Mr Ludlam said the restructure had delivered significant cost savings to ASC’s customer and was maximising workplace efficiency.
“Our commitment to setting up a framework for a more sustainable Collins Class fleet is underpinned in the signing of a Heads of Agreement with DMO in June this year. This agreement paves the way for the new In Service Support Contract to take effect towards the end of the year,” Mr Ludlam said.
“I am delighted that we are now moving into the next phase of the framework in the announcement of the Coles Review by Defence Minister Stephen Smith and I look forward to the outcomes and recommendations from the review.
“ASC remains committed towards improving the overall availability of the Collins Class submarines and continues to work with Government and Navy to achieve this objective.”
ASC (formerly known as Australian Submarine Corporation) is the nation’s last remaining Australian-owned prime defence contractor and, this year, celebrates 25 years of excellence. The company constructed the Collins Class submarines and today delivers design, upgrade and maintenance services for the submarines through-life. ASC is also the shipbuilder of Australia’s next generation warships – the Hobart Class air warfare destroyers. ASC employs over 1,700 personnel in South Australia and Western Australia, including 370 engineering and technical specialists.
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MORE INFORMATION: Annemarie Watt, A/Corporate Communications Manager
Ph: (08) 8348 7045 or 0428 112 652
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