Babcock International Group PLC - Experts & Thought Leaders

LGE business has been awarded a contract to deliver six cargo handling and fuel gas supply systems for Ultra Large Ethane Carriers in China. The new supersized ships have 50% more capacity than existing Very Large Ethane Carriers (VLEC), and at 150,000 m3, are a world first of this size. Transportation of liquefied gas The ships, being built at the Jiangnan Shipyard in China, will be fitted with cascade reliquefication plants to manage the Boil Off Gas (BOG), with the contract signalling a continued wave of demand for the globally sought technology in a buoyant market for the transportation of liquefied gas. Neale Campbell, Managing Director of Babcock’s LGE business, said: “The development of these ships is a milestone moment as the industry enters the new era of Ultra Large Ethane Carriers. We are proud that our pioneering-edge technology is an intrinsic part of these game-changing vessels, with an integrated reliquefaction system and fuel gas supply system providing fuel to the ship’s main engine – helping to support a net-zero future.” LGE’s intellectual property portfolio The LGE business saw a record order intake of more than £300 million in the first half of 2024 The integrated system comprises of LGE’s SuperCooler™ and ecoETHN™ technologies – both part of LGE’s intellectual property portfolio. SuperCooler™ improves plant efficiency by increasing reliquefaction capacity whilst reducing energy consumption, while ecoETHN™ integrates the reliquefaction plant with the fuel gas supply system, utilising methane-rich Boil Off Gas as fuel for the main engine and auxiliary power generators. The LGE business saw a record order intake of more than £300 million in the first half of 2024, with 63 contracts from international shipyard customers driven by major LNG projects in the Middle East and growing demand in China. ecoSMRT® for LNG reliquefaction Ongoing technology development by LGE this year has already achieved eight patent applications, two patents granted, and eleven trademarks granted across the portfolio range, including for LNG, Ammonia, and CO2. Sales have also been strong across the technology-rich portfolio, including the ecoSMRT® for LNG reliquefaction, ecoETHN® for Ethane Cargo Handling Systems, and 18 Ammonia ship Cargo Handling Systems. The success of the LGE business was also formally recognised by the award of King’s Award for Enterprise in the Innovation category.

Babcock has officially launched a new International Engineering and Technology Hub in Melbourne, Australia as part of their increased research and development efforts across global defence markets. The $3.5 million state-of-the-art Abbotsford facility will serve as a collaborative environment for engineers and technologists working in areas such as systems engineering, secure communications, autonomy, artificial intelligence and digitally-enabled asset management. It includes provision for specialist laboratories and other security-accredited testing facilities to simulate, model and validate new technologies so they can be brought into service quickly. Extensive supply chain network The move to the new facility follows a period of sustained growth for the Australian business The hub has been designed with future defence needs in mind and is strategically located in Victoria to leverage the state’s extensive supply chain network, well-credentialled academic institutions and rich engineering talent pool. Part-funded by the Victorian Government, the facility is expected to create as many as 100 new highly skilled jobs over the next three years and will play a crucial role in their workforce development initiatives, contributing to the growth of a robust and resilient industrial base. The move to the new facility follows a period of sustained growth for the Australian business, particularly in Melbourne, where their defence workforce has grown seven-fold since 2019.

Babcock are pleased to have joined the UK manufacturers’ trade association, Made in Britain. As a world-renowned manufacturer producing a range of defence equipment across the UK, partnering with the 2,100 UK manufacturers in the Made in Britain community will bring them closer to the long-term goal of ensuring the UK has a robust sovereign defence capability. Social and economic sustainability British Army has the vehicles and weapons it needs or carry out the deep care of nuclear submarines As the second largest supplier to the UK Ministry of Defence, they contribute over £3.3bn a year to UK GDP, and work with the Ministry of Defence across more critical programmes than any other company. Whether they’re building warships, ensuring the British Army has the vehicles and weapons it needs or carrying out the deep maintenance of nuclear submarines, they’re committed to making a positive contribution to the communities in which they operate, providing high-quality jobs and delivering social and economic sustainability across the UK. UK industrial supply chain Ewan Sime, Global Director of Procurement and Supply Chain, Babcock, said: "As a Sovereign British Defence company, we are delighted to be joining the Made in Britain community." Ewan Sime adds, "Engaging with this extensive network of companies will only serve to increase the resilience of the UK industrial supply chain. Made in Britain stands for innovative, agile manufacturers here in the UK producing for the good of the British economy. It’s a group in which Babcock belongs." Manufacturing innovation and excellence John Pearce, CEO of Made in Britain, stated: "Made in Britain is proud to welcome a company of Babcock’s stature as an accredited member." John Pearce adds, "Their world-class engineering and production capabilities represent the very best of what British manufacturing has to offer – the association with the 2,100 licence holders, more than 300 of which are in the engineering sector – using the Made in Britain Trademark will further highlight the UK’s reputation for precision manufacturing innovation and excellence across the world."