James Fisher Defence, the provider of the submarine rescue system to the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) since 2009, will continue to deliver this critical sovereign capability for a further four years after finalising an extension to its contract with the Department of Defence for between $90 million and $100 million.
The announcement ensures total continuity of this life-saving service which is on standby and “rescue ready” at all times to retrieve the crew of a disabled submarine anywhere in the world from JFD Australia’s national headquarters and advanced support centre at Bibra Lake, in Perth, Western Australia.
“Keeping our submariners safe has always been our number-one priority and we are very pleased to be able to continue this commitment and support to the Navy,” said Cathy Falkiner, Managing Director, JFD Australia. “Importantly, JFD is able to both operate and sustain all elements of the system which includes the piloted rescue vehicle that dives down to locate and transfer submariners from under the water to the ocean’s surface and a state-of-the-art hyperbaric equipment suite that can provide life-saving medical treatment, if needed. Only JFD has the capability and track record to deliver a complete submarine escape and rescue system as well as adequately operate and sustain the system to global benchmarks.”
JFD Australia’s rescue system is designed to be air-transportable which is a crucial aspect of submarine rescue in a country and region where size, geography and local conditions can be challenging. Of the six air-transportable submarine rescue systems in the world, JFD has the contracts to supply and support four of them – Australia, India (two systems), and the NATO Submarine Rescue System (NSRS) making JFD the world’s leading provider of submarine rescue systems.
“Receiving this contract extension means we can really plan for the future and that starts with creating more local jobs,” said Falkiner. “There will be employment opportunities at JFD Australia and potentially across our supply chain companies in what is a major investment in local economies and the local defence industry.”
Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy said: “The Albanese Government is ensuring our submariners have access to the best submarine rescue systems that can protect their wellbeing and keep them safe. Investing in this sovereign capability ensures our local industrial base is able to retrieve a submarine crew anywhere in the world. JFD Australia is a world leading underwater provider of these systems and this contract extension ensures the highly skilled operators of these capabilities remain in Australia.”
James Fisher strengthens APAC commitment with Japan entity
James Fisher & Sons announced it has launched a new legal entity in Japan, reinforcing its long-term commitment to Japan and its footprint in Northeast Asia. The move furthers James Fisher’s intention to bring its integrated offering and innovative, sustainable solutions to the country’s energy transition, maritime security and defence needs.
Jean Vernet, CEO at James Fisher and Sons plc said: “Japan’s ambitious modernisation plans are driving demand for advanced maritime technology, defence capabilities and renewable energy solutions. With a target of 10 GW of offshore wind by 2030, a significant increase in defence spending to 2% of GDP by 2027, and around 99% of its foreign trade moving by sea, it is making substantial investments across these critical areas. James Fisher’s expertise gives us a unique opportunity to support Japan’s evolving needs. Our long-term commitment to the Japanese market will grow in parallel with the country’s goals, ensuring we continue to contribute to its national strategy, while bringing a global perspective to complex challenges.”
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