Leeuwin class reverse osmosis plant upgrade

AMT, now part of BMT, was engaged to deliver the detailed design and Integrated Logistics Support (ILS) package for the RO plant upgrade. The scope included the integration of two new reverse osmosis plants, upgraded seawater feed pumps, and a range of supporting systems to improve water quality, safety, and reliability.

The upgrade incorporated chlorine gas detection equipment, activated carbon filters, sand media filters, sediment cartridge filters, a remineralisation filter, and a sodium hypochlorite dosing system to support water treatment and system performance.

Electrical modifications included switchboard upgrades and the installation of an auxiliary control system to automate seawater feed and freshwater flush operations. This reduced crew workload, simplified operation, and improved overall system reliability.

Installation was completed on HMAS Leeuwin in May 2019 and HMAS Melville in August 2019. We provided onsite production support in Cairns to assist with installation, resolve technical issues, and ensure successful implementation within a constrained schedule.

Independent laboratory testing confirmed that the upgraded system met all applicable potable water quality requirements. The new RO plants now provide a reliable source of potable water, supporting both operational capability and crew wellbeing.

The project demonstrated our ability to manage diverse stakeholders, including the end customer, in-service support contractor, equipment OEMs, and installation teams, to deliver a successful upgrade outcome.