Rolls-Royce subsidiary MTU Detroit Diesel Australia and DMS Maritime have signed a significant service level agreement to support the MTU propulsion diesel engines for Australia's Armidale-class patrol boats (ACPB).
Measuring 56.8 metres x 9.7 metres x 2.7 metres, the Royal Australian Navy ACPB fleet provides patrol and border protection services all around Australia's coastlines. A pair of MTU 16V 4000 M70 engines powers each vessel, with each unit producing 2,320kW.
The five-year agreement confirms MTU Detroit Diesel Australia as the exclusive propulsion diesel engine service provider, supporting the partnership with OEM specialist service, technical and factory support throughout the life cycle of the engines and across its Australian network.
DMS Maritime provides complete integrated support to the ACPBs, including engineering, maintenance, supply, support, and training. Ken Joseph, executive general manager of DMS Maritime, said the agreement "provides the basis upon which DMS Maritime and MTU Detroit Diesel Australia can work co-operatively towards the efficient and effective support of the main engines."
Additionally, the collaboration between the two parties is essential to maintaining the availability and reliability of the Navy's 14-strong Armidale fleet, he added.
Slipping and repair for the Armidale-class vessels are currently underway at Aluminium Boats Australia in Queensland, with four of the vessels serviced in 2013.
Working with MTU Detroit Diesel Australia's Sydney branch, the builder swaps out the older 4000-series engines with replacement units. The old engines are then sent to Sydney for rebuilding and refurbishment.
