Tenix LADS Corporation awarded Royal Australian Navy contract
Contract award followed an international tender process including Airborne Laser Bathymetry system submissions from Sweden, Canada and Australia.
The RAN will use the new LADS system to continue its program of hydrographic survey to upgrade Australia’s nautical chart series.
The charts are vital for safe navigation of Australia’s coastline and serve as baseline data for marine environmental management programs, particularly on the Great Barrier Reef.
“For the global market in which we operate, this contract is high profile and very prestigious,” said Tom Spurling, General Manager of Tenix LADS Corporation.
“The Defence Department opted for an open tender to ensure that the best system, with the best support package based on value for money was achieved. We are very proud that LADS was able to meet Defence’s exacting requirements.”
LADS is an Australian technology success story. Originally developed by scientists at the Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) at Salisbury, SA, in the 1970s and 1980s, it has been a major success for the RAN Hydrographic Service.
Defence Materiel Organisation Project Manager Mr John Ross said the Commonwealth is looking forward to a successful partnership.
Approximately 20 engineers and technicians will be employed for the 20-month development phase of the contract, which will be run from the Tenix LADS South Australian offices. Following the acquisition phase, a team of more than 12 engineers, technicians and pilots will provide technical support for the contract’s remaining six to 10 years.
In addition to its work in Australia for Defence, Tenix LADS Corporation markets a worldwide LADS contract survey service which employs 50 people in offices in Adelaide, Mississippi and Dubai and generates annual export revenue of approximately $13 million.
Company Information
Tom Spurling (Tenix LADS)08 8300 4428
Liam Bathgate (Tenix Group)
0417 268 210
