Lloyd’s Register has been awarded a contract by BAE Systems Maritime Australia to provide naval classification and construction oversight for the first three Hunter class frigates being built for the Royal Australian Navy, BAE Systems stated.
The contract extends a five-year partnership between the two organisations and covers new construction services through to the entry into service of the third ship. Lloyd’s Register will ensure that each vessel meets its Rules and Regulations for the Classification of Naval Ships, verifying compliance with international standards for safety, quality, and reliability.
The Hunter class frigates are based on the UK’s Type 26 design and are under construction at Osborne Naval Shipyard in South Australia. According to BAE Systems, the classification work will help ensure the ships meet the operational and safety requirements needed to support Royal Australian Navy personnel at sea.
“Partnering with Lloyd’s Register for the Hunter class frigates is a demonstration of our commitment to delivering world-class naval vessels built to the highest standards of safety and reliability,” said Andy Coxall, Delivery Director for Acquisition at BAE Systems Maritime Australia.
“By working alongside Lloyd’s Register, we’re ensuring the Royal Australian Navy receives advanced capability tailored to its operational needs, and the men and women serving aboard the Hunter class can have confidence in the safety of their vessel.”
Lloyd’s Register has supported the Hunter Class Frigate Program since 2020, providing on-site expertise and technical assurance at Osborne.
“We are proud to continue our close collaboration with BAE Systems Maritime Australia on the Hunter Class Frigate Program,” said Steve McDowall, Director of Naval Business Australasia at Lloyd’s Register. “Having worked together for over five years, we are honoured to be contracted to deliver Naval Classification services for the first three ships in this strategic programme for the Royal Australian Navy and the Australian Department of Defence.”
David Lloyd, Vice President of Naval and Government Business at Lloyd’s Register, said the contract supports Australia’s long-term shipbuilding strategy. “The Hunter Class Frigate Program is a key element in Australia’s continuous naval shipbuilding objective, and all in LR are proud to have been chosen to deliver our new construction naval classification services in support of these highly capable ships.”
Lloyd’s Register, established more than 260 years ago as the world’s first marine classification society, provides technical, regulatory, and advisory services to the global maritime industry.
