Adelaide-based industrial refrigeration leader, Cold Logic, has been awarded a multi-million dollar contract by BAE Systems Australia to construct cold and cool rooms for the first batch of Hunter class frigates.

Cold Logic will partner with UK company Ernest West & Beyson (EWB) for the project, leveraging EWB’s experience in supplying into the Type 26 program for the United Kingdom’s Royal Navy, which is the reference design for the frigates being built at Osborne Naval Shipyard.

The contract includes the construction of a refrigerated storeroom, which includes a cold room, cool room, refrigerated airlock and dairy room, and refrigeration machinery.

Managing Director of BAE Systems Australia – Maritime Craig Lockhart said the partnership between Cold Logic and EWB would deliver a world-class product for the world-class frigate program.

“We are committed to working together with the Commonwealth to support Australian businesses in order for them to grow their own capability, and our Australian Contract Expenditure reflects this,” Mr Lockhart said.

“The Hunter program is more than just building one class of ship – it is about creating and growing an enduring industry here in Australia, which will allow us to build and sustain our own warships for generations to come.”

With substantial expertise in delivering bespoke refrigeration and climate control system solutions, Cold Logic established its dedicated defence division in 2017 following successful projects to upgrade and sustain the Collins class submarine program’s provision refrigeration system.

Founder and Director of Cold Logic Jeff Cannan said he was looking forward to seeing the first system go to sea.

“With the award of the Hunter Class Frigate Program to BAE Systems Australia, we sought out EWB to establish a partnership that would bring the existing and reliable provision refrigeration system onboard the UK Type 26 frigate to Australia without re-inventing the wheel and saving significant expenditure on the package,” Mr Cannan said.

“Through early involvement in the project and partnership, Cold Logic and BAE Systems Australia are able to leverage the skills and expertise that already exist in Australia and are able to make use of our sovereign supply chain.”

Operations Director for EWB David Vos added that the companies would work together to ensure the highest standards are met.

“Ernest West & Beynon feels it has found a partner which complements our business and we can trust to uphold our long-standing reputation for quality bespoke marine refrigeration solutions,” Mr Vos said.