Industrial refrigeration specialists Cold Logic has been awarded a major contract with Australian submarine maintainer ASC after launching its dedicated defence division.
Cold Logic is delivering state-of-the-art upgrades to cooling equipment for the Royal Australian Navy’s Collins Class submarines as part of the Federal Government’s ongoing sustainment and capability upgrade programs, carried out by prime contractor ASC.
While the government has awarded contracts for the design and construction of 12 Future Submarines, it is expected that a number of the current six Collins Class submarines, whichwere constructed in the 1990s and 2000s, will remain in service until the 2040s.
Since the construction of the Collins Class fleet, the mission profile and number of crew members on board have changed significantly, requiring changes to various supply systems inside the submarines.
Cold Logic partner, Eddie Lane, said the Port Adelaide-based company’s work involves the engineering, supply and installation of modifications to the food storage facilities onboard the submarines which are based at Osborne in South Australia and Henderson in Western Australia.
“The submarines are crucial to Australia’s naval defence capabilities,” he said.
“We’re pleased to be involved in such an iconic defence project.
“Working closely with engineers and project managers at ASC, Cold Logic has been tasked with engineering a solution to increase the system performance, maintain power requirements, retrofit an existing physical space and to remove and replace major obsolescent parts from the submarines.
“While only a small amount of the defence procurement process, food storage and preservation has a direct impact on the food available during ocean missions and makes a significant difference to the availability of defence personnel and equipment.
“Whether at land or sea, Cold Logic is at the forefront of delivering energy efficient and optimised refrigeration solutions.”
Cold Logic has successfully completed the first-of-class install on board HMAS Sheean with further submarines to be upgraded in line with the scheduled deep cycle maintenance activities by ASC.
The project comes as Cold Logic officially launches a dedicated defence division as part of its expansion plans. Dr Michael Riese heads up the new division as business development manager for Defence and Research with the aim to grow partnerships in the defence industry.
Lane said Dr Riese was ideally suited to lead Cold Logic Defence.
“With his extensive industry experience, Dr Riese has built a unique understanding of the specific refrigeration requirements for defence,” he said.
“The defence sector requires access to specialist and innovative refrigeration solutions and Dr Riese has a proven track record in delivering results through his previous work in industry and government defence projects.”
Cold Logic specialises in the manufacture and supply of industrial refrigeration solutions and employs 65 staff nationally with its headquarters based in Adelaide.
ASC built the Collins Class fleet and is the prime contractor to the Department of Defence for the maintenance, sustainment and upgrade of the submarine platform.
The company employs more than 1,000 submarine-related personnel at its deep maintenance operations in South Australia and maintenance operations in Western Australia.