Cold Logic to construct and install cold and cool rooms for the Hunter class frigates

Australian business Cold Logic has been awarded a multi-million dollar contract to construct and install cold and cool rooms for the first batch of three Hunter class frigates.

Partnering with UK company Ernest West & Beynon (EWB), Cold Logic will leverage EWB’s experience in supplying into the Type 26 program, which is the reference design for the Hunter class frigates, which are being built at Osborne Naval Shipyard in South Australia.

Based in Adelaide, Cold Logic has substantive expertise in delivering bespoke refrigeration and climate control system solutions for large scale food and beverage companies, pharmaceutical, and cold storage industries and now the defence sector. Cold Logic is also about to celebrate its 40th year in business.

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

BAE Systems Australia is working closely with the Commonwealth to maximise Australian content on the Hunter Class Frigate Program, and we are currently tracking well above our minimum Australian Contract Expenditure for the design and productionisation phase of the Hunter program.

Managing Director of BAE Systems Australia – Maritime, Craig Lockhart, said:

“Through Cold Logic’s demonstrated expertise in providing a superior service, and Ernest West & Beynon’s proven capability on the Type 26 program, we are getting a world-class product for a world-class ship.

“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.

“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.”

Founder and Director of Cold Logic, Jeff Cannan, said:

“Cold Logic’s commitment to the Australian defence sector and sovereign capability has been evident since the establishment of our dedicated defence division in 2017 following successful projects to upgrade and sustain the Collins Class Submarine Platform’s provision refrigeration systems.

“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.

“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.

“Much of our business success has been built on trusted partnerships and we are very much looking forward to seeing the first system built and installed and going to sea on the first ship.”

Operations Director for Ernest West & Beynon, David Vos, said:

“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.

“Ernest West & Beynon and Cold Logic have a combined knowledge of over 150 years and this project provides an opportunity, not only for the Hunter Class Frigate Program, but for future projects where we can share this knowledge.

“We are looking forward to working with Cold Logic to ensure the highest standards are met and delivered on schedule.”