After releasing the Surface Fleet Review the Australian Government has committed $54 billion over the next decade to future naval defence, emphasising the importance of the maritime domain to Australia’s defence capability. Naval architects will play key roles in acquiring ship designs for Australia, overseeing their build, and sustaining them through life.
6 March 2024
In an era of unprecedented geopolitical shifts, the Australian Defence Force (ADF), and Defence Forces globally, face a pivotal moment in history, tasked with navigating the complexities of modern warfare and strategic deterrence. Central to this endeavour for the ADF is the enhancement of Australia's maritime capability, an area where BMT's own Andrew (Andy) Harris, Technical Lead and Principal Naval Architect, plays a crucial role.
The Defence Strategic Review underscored the importance of a formidable maritime capability in safeguarding national interests and maintaining regional stability. The evolving geopolitical landscape, marked by increased competition and the emergence of sophisticated threats, necessitates a robust and agile naval force capable of ensuring Australia's security and sovereignty.
Andy, with his extensive expertise in naval architecture, including working on the Queen Elizabeth Aircraft Carrier, stands at the forefront of this strategic imperative, “my work focuses on designing and enhancing naval vessels that embody resilience, adaptability, and cutting-edge technology.”
The Government has released the Surface Fleet Review and has committed $54 billion over the next decade to future naval defence, emphasising the importance of the maritime domain to Australia’s defence capability. Naval architects will play key roles in acquiring ship designs for Australia, overseeing their build, and sustaining them through life.
Naval architecture is more critical now than ever. The design, construction and maintenance of naval vessels encompass a myriad of considerations – from stealth capabilities and survivability to operational range and sustainability. Each aspect of enhancement must align with the strategic objectives of the customer, ensuring that options are carefully tailored to specific requirements.
Andy says, “It’s not just the technicalities of ship design but also an understanding of the strategic context in which these vessels operate. By integrating innovative design principles with the latest advancements in maritime technology, we can contribute to a navy that is ready to face future challenges, be it high-intensity conflict or humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions.”
The future of the Australian Defence Force hinges on its ability to adapt and respond to the changing nature of warfare. Maritime capability plays a critical role for the Royal Australian Navy.
The challenges are manifold – cyber threats, unmanned systems, and the rapid pace of technological change. Yet, through innovative naval architecture and a forward-looking approach to shipbuilding, Australia can ensure its naval forces are equipped to navigate these challenges successfully.
In this era of strategic competition, the work of naval architects like Andy, are a testament to Australia's commitment to maintaining a potent and agile maritime force.
Andrew Harris is a chartered naval architect working primarily on Australian naval ship projects based in Adelaide. He has over 20 years experience in ship design from concept through to production, particularly through his former roles as Platform Architecture Manager for the Aircraft Carrier Alliance (UK). Formerly the Head of Naval Architecture for BMT’s UK defence company, Andrew has led teams of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers, and is well versed in the management of suppliers and subcontractors. These teams have included personnel drawn from multiple industrial organisations as well as the UK MoD.
Andrew has extensive knowledge of military requirements, processes and working practices for surface ship design. Since relocating to Australia, Andrew has increasingly worked in marine renewable energy fields and in options for decarbonisation of marine operations. Andrew is able to apply this knowledge in both the commercial shipping and naval sectors. Andrew has a Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) in Ship Science.
Andrew Harris
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