Western Australian manufacturer VEEM Limited has received an order from BAE Systems Maritime Australia (BAESMA) for the manufacture of a pilot propeller blade for the Hunter Class Frigate Program (HCFP).
Based in Canning Vale, VEEM is a designer and manufacturer of disruptive, high-technology marine propulsion and stabilisation systems for the global luxury motor yacht, fast ferry, commercial workboat and defence industries. The purpose of the order – designated by BAESMA as a “targeted task” – enables VEEM to formally demonstrate it has the propeller manufacturing capability to deliver into the HCFP supply chain.
VEEM has delivered similar blades to defence clients globally, and is confident it can deliver the required accuracy for the Hunter Class program. VEEM will produce the pilot propeller blade under the guidance of Kongsberg Maritime, one of the platform equipment providers for Type 26, the reference ship design for the Hunter class frigates. If VEEM can successfully demonstrate its capability, Kongsberg Maritime will be able to continue the development of VEEM towards manufacture of propeller and brake blades for the Hunter program.
In coming months, BAESMA is expected to issue a ‘request for proposal’ (RFP) for the propeller and brake blade manufacture for the first batch of three Hunter class frigates. Contract award is anticipated in 2022.
VEEM Managing Director Mark Miocevich said: “As a world leader in precision CNC-machined propellers, VEEM looks forward to working with BAE Systems Maritime Australia and Kongsberg Maritime on this pilot propeller blade and is very confident of being able to meet the exacting specification, having previously delivered blades to defence clients around the world.
“This will contribute significantly to maximising local sovereign industrial capability for the Hunter Class Frigate Program. As a long-term supplier of components for submarines, surface ships and warships to the Royal Australian Navy and having supplied more than $200m worth of defence products since 1987, VEEM is committed to the supply of Australian-made propellers and brake blades.”