Naval architect and designer BMT has acquired Melbourne-based naval design and marine engineering consultancy Australian Maritime Technologies (AMT), in a move expected to increase BMT’s footprint within the Asia-Pacific (APAC) market, in both the commercial and defence segments.
Founded in 1987, AMT has built up experience in the design of various combatant, auxiliary and specialist naval vessels, with clients including the Royal Australian Navy, BAE Systems and shipbuilder Lürssen. At the time of writing, AMT has a 60-strong team on its books. BMT says: “AMT played a key role as the ship designer in the mid-life combat and platform systems upgrades for the Royal New Zealand Navy’s ANZAC-class frigates, a programme it was initially part of 35 years ago. Through its strategic partnership with Lürssen Australia, AMT has played a key role in establishing in-country design capability for the [80m] Arafura-class offshore patrol vessel [OPV] programme, supporting a smooth transition to through-life OPV design and engineering.”
BMT CEO Sarah Kenny OBE adds that AMT is a perfect match for BMT, given the latter’s involvement in the development of the UK Royal Navy’s Fleet Solid Support ships, Queen Elizabeth-class carriers, Type 31 frigate and Tide-class tanker, as well as the Royal Norwegian Navy’s logistics support vessel HNoMS Maud. “This partnership not only strengthens our support for the Royal Australian Navy but opens new avenues for growth and innovation in the regional market,” Kenny says.
A rendering of the 32m Greenline 150 Passenger Electric Ferry concept (image: BMT)
BMT has also been keeping itself busy in the North American market: the company recently unveiled a new battery-powered ferry design, dubbed the Greenline 150 Passenger Electric Ferry, developed in partnership with Canada’s Greenline Marine. Lee Hedd, regional sales director for BMT in the Americas, has described the ferry as “not just a vessel…[but] a statement of where the industry is heading”, adding: “Small gains in efficiency, particularly in all-electric vessels, can significantly extend the range and endurance of the vessel, making energy-saving methods more compelling than ever.”
The new ferry design features a length of 32m and the capacity for 150 passengers (including four wheelchair users), plus space for bicycles. According to Alex Blake, senior naval architect at BMT: “It’s going to be a really fresh-feeling boat…there’s no form of internal combustion on board at all. It’s just batteries with electric motors. The vessel is flexible for operating in the different seagoing conditions along the British Columbia coast. While designed to operate efficiently in sheltered waters, the proven hullform is also used successfully around the world on more exposed coastlines with heavier seas.” Other benefits will include reduced noise and vibrations, Blake says.
BMT adds that the ferry’s design has been “rigorously tested to meet the most stringent environmental protection standards set by international certification bodies”, including the MARPOL convention. Greenline tells Ship & Boat International: “We are estimating the first vessel will be delivered in 2026.”
