Australia’s sovereign submarine company, ASC, has reached a new agreement with QMS NDT & NACE (QMS) for the delivery of Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) and metal survey services, supporting more than 25 local jobs in Adelaide.
QMS’ sophisticated x-ray and radiographic testing methods allow for accurate analysis of the integrity of submarine welds, pipe wall thicknesses and other metallic materials in the Collins Class submarines without having to disrupt the structures that surround them. This service will be utilised within the Full Cycle Docking (FCD) program and assists ASC’s teams to effectively target their maintenance activities.
New agreements with local suppliers like QMS help to ensure ASC’s continued world-class performance and availability of the Collins Class fleet to the Royal Australian Navy.
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Stuart Whiley, said ASC works with more than 1200 Australian businesses within its sovereign supply chain and spends around $200 million each year. “ASC is committed to the involvement of Australian suppliers on the Collins Class sustainment program,” Whiley said. “Developing strong, long-term relationships with local suppliers assists ASC to maintain high levels of quality and responsiveness during Collins Class maintenance. QMS is a proudly Australian-owned company and this new deal helps create further sovereign capability in ASC’s supply chain. The significant national security investments which are being made to grow Australia’s submarine capability will support hundreds of jobs, both at ASC and with suppliers.”
QMS Owner, Shaun Kennedy, said the company has a great relationship with ASC. “QMS NDT & NACE has supported the Collins Class NDT and metal loss contract for the past eight years and we are happy to have the opportunity to sign another contract to continue working on the Collins Class fleet,” Kennedy said. “ASC’s commitment to supporting sovereign capability continues to make a positive impact to Australian businesses and help create local jobs.”