Babcock the latest to prepare for role in future nuclear submarines

Babcock Australasia has become the latest company to ready itself for work supporting Australia’s deployment to Western Australia and ultimate construction of nuclear powered submarines in Adelaide.

Fran Worthington was appointed to the role as inaugural Managing Director, Nuclear and ‘will take charge of Babcock’s contribution to the development of future military nuclear infrastructure and the acquisition of the associated nuclear licensing’, according to the company.

Babcock sustains the UK Royal Navy submarine fleet.

Since 2014, Worthington has worked in a variety of roles at Cavendish Nuclear, a leading nuclear services company and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Babcock International Group.

His appointment is the latest in a series of announcements from Babcock, which supports engineering, design, syatems integration and platform management of Australia’s fleet of Collins class submarines.

In recent months it has inaugurated the Defence High Frequency Communications System (DHFCS), expanded its presence in Adelaide, beginning construction of a new head office and factory, and staffed up to support future submarine work.

Andy Davis, who is currently Babcock Australasia’s Executive Director AUKUS, has been promoted to an expanded role as Executive Director AUKUS & Strategic Regional Growth as the company positions itself to support the AUKUS agenda.

Earlier this month Melbourne engineering firm Marand Precision Engineered agreed to collaborate on submarine work with US-based Fairbanks Morse Defense (FMD).

FMD is a primary supplier to the US Navy of marine power and propulsion systems.

Babcock Australasia CEO Andrew Cridland said: “We are delighted to welcome Fran Worthington to the Babcock Australasia team as the company gears up to support arguably the most important Defence programme and partnership in Australia’s history.

“Fran is a global leader in the nuclear field – his nuclear qualifications, operational experience, workforce upskilling and senior industrial leadership is invaluable.

“People like Fran are crucial to the development of the nation’s nuclear skills base and there is no doubt his expertise and knowledge will be invaluable in the coming months and years as the ambitious AUKUS agenda is rolled out.”

Cridland said the appointment was an great example of how a company like Babcock can leverage 50 plus years of pedigree in nuclear sustainment and skills development to seamlessly transfer and build capability within Australia – retaining key people within its global business.

Worthington said it was an exciting time to be working for Babcock Australasia as Australia embarks on the most significant Defence project in its history.

“Babcock is a world-leader in nuclear submarine capability and we have decades of experience in sustainment, nuclear safety and stewardship and as such, we are well positioned to be providing this capability for the Commonwealth.”

Babcock plays a crucial role in the UK, US and Australia’s submarine programmes today.

The company sustains 100 per cent of the UK Royal Navy submarine fleet and owns and operates the UK’s only licensed facility for refitting, refuelling and defueling nuclear submarines.

Mr Worthington officially commenced the role last month and will be based at the Group’s regional head office in Adelaide, South Australia.

Further reading:
Marand and Fairbanks Morse combine in components for N-subs
Browse @AuManufacturing’s coverage of Babcock Australia here.

Picture: Fran Worthington