Johnson Controls Wins Contract For Fire Protection & Detection System for Babcock's New Type 31 Frigates

Johnson Controls, which merged with Tyco in 2016, has been awarded a contract by Babcock Team 31, working on the construction of five new Type 31 frigates. 

Babcock will be provisioning Johnson Controls for the design, supply, certification and commissioning support of the Fire Protection and Detection Systems for the new vessels. The contract for the five ships currently on order with the Ministry of Defence (MOD) was awarded to Babcock in Nov 2019. 

Following a comprehensive competitive process, Arrowhead 140, a capable, adaptable and technology-enabled global frigate will be the UK Royal Navy’s newest class of warship, with the first ship scheduled for launch in 2023. 

Johnson Controls has been contracted by Babcock for the provision of the fixed firefighting solutions fitted on the ships. As the world’s leading provider of fire protection and fire suppression solutions, Johnson Controls has a long history of working with the Royal Navy. Beginning in 1957 when Tyco Fire & Integrated Solutions was commissioned to fit Fire Detection and Suppression systems aboard HMS Hermes, it has been involved in fitting fixed firefighting solutions on Royal Navy ships and auxiliary ships ever since.

The Type 31 programme seeks to spread UK investment down into the small to medium enterprises and through the supply chain. Team 31 will maximise an overall UK-based workforce in excess of 2500 skilled and experienced employees; creating 150+ technical apprenticeships and training programme opportunities.

With Babcock’s Rosyth facility as the central integration site, the solution provides value for money and squarely supports the principles of the National Shipbuilding Strategy. It also builds on the knowledge and expertise developed during the Queen Elizabeth aircraft carrier modular build programme.

Chris King, General Manager, Oil, Gas & Marine at Johnson Controls, said: 

“We’re immensely proud to have been chosen to work with Babcock to deliver another best-in-class fixed fire detection and suppression solution. We’re confident that we can continue providing top quality solutions that are robust, technically compliant, and devoid of risk to meet all of the Royal Navy’s requirements. We’re looking forward to continuing our successful partnership with Babcock, and to playing a crucial role in the construction of the new frigates.”

Mark Harvey, Type 31 Deputy Programme Director, Babcock International Group, said: 

“We are delighted to have awarded Johnson Controls the contract to supply compliant fixed fire detection and suppression systems of the highest quality. We chose Johnson Controls for their world-leading expertise and track record, having worked with Tyco pre-merger through the Aircraft Carrier Alliance Group on the construction of the Queen Elizabeth and Prince of Wales flagship aircraft carriers. We’re excited to work closely with Johnson Controls once again to deliver on the Royal Navy’s vision.”

About Babcock:

For more than a century, Babcock has been trusted to deliver bespoke, highly-skilled engineering services. We help customers in the UK and around the world to improve the capability, reliability and availability of their most critical assets within the four market sectors of Marine, Land, Aviation, and Nuclear, underpinned by a deep understanding of technology integration, unique infrastructure, and specialist training. w: www.babcockinternational.com

About Johnson Controls:

Johnson Controls is the world’s largest independent supplier of heating, ventilating, air conditioning and refrigeration equipment, including marine refrigeration equipment; with a company turnover over $35bn and workforce over 135,000 globally. The Navy Systems division has satisfied the uncompromising demands of the world’s navies for more than 65 years. w:www.johnsoncontrols.com/marine