More than 5,000 tonnes of specialised, high-strength steel will be delivered for each of the first three frigates, with 77 per cent of the steel for the first ship sourced from BlueScope Distribution. Steel supply is already supporting ship construction at Osborne Naval Shipyard in South Australia, where over 41 of the 78 units for Ship 01 are currently in production.
“This agreement secures the future for Australian made steel plate for the Hunter Class Frigate Program, providing the safety and sovereignty to ensure that the most advanced anti-submarine warfare frigates are constructed to the highest quality standard,” said Andy Coxall, Delivery Director – Acquisition, BAE Systems Maritime Australia. He added, “The Hunter Class Frigate Program is a national endeavour and Australian companies like BlueScope understand the need to provide a resilient sovereign supply chain that will build the naval capability to protect our undersea lines of communication and maritime trade routes.”
The agreement allows BAE Systems to establish a single source of steel supply across its Australian operations, with BlueScope providing not only materials but also warehousing, logistics, technical support, certification, and project management services. These capabilities are essential to ensure optimal build sequencing under the ‘steel in, ships out’ strategy for the Hunter frigates.
Mark Smith, General Manager of BlueScope Distribution, said: “We’re delighted to have been invited by BAE Systems Australia to enter into this Framework Agreement which acknowledges our longstanding partnership and commitment to supporting a domestic, fully integrated steel supply chain to support the defence industry.” He added, “We have a shared vision and our partnership with BAE Systems Australia enables us to demonstrate the support offered to Australian manufactures. We offer customers quality BlueScope manufactured products, various steel processing capability through our own facilities and those of our carefully selected partners as well as robust project management delivery solutions. It’s this level of project management support which enables us to support our customers like BAE Systems Australia to deliver projects to specification.”
The agreement reinforces the importance of a resilient, locally controlled supply chain and long-term sovereignty for Australia’s naval shipbuilding industry. It marks a significant step in ensuring continuity and capability for the nation’s future maritime defence.
