Darwin’s NORSTA North confirms plans to service Armidale Class, Arafura Class

A Top End regional maintenance provider, which already landed a $150 million contract, could soon be servicing the navy’s Armidale Class and Arafura Class patrol boats.

NORSTA is expected to inherit responsibility for maintaining Armidale Class vessels, such as HMAS Larrakia (pictured. Picture: Supplied.

The Northern Territory’s maritime sector will have a greater stake in supporting the navy’s operational readiness, with Darwin’s regional maintenance provider confirming it may inherit responsibility for maintaining the ADF’s Armidale Class and Arafura Class patrol boats.

In an exclusive forum held earlier this month, several high profile figures, including Commodore Bradley Smith, Defence NT Industry development manager Lucas Fiddaman and Solomon MP Luke Gosling, gathered to discuss the maritime sector’s role in achieving the Albanese Government’s strategic objectives.

NORSTA could soon be providing its services to Arafura Class vessels, such as pictured above. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Morgan Sette

Following the event, NORSTA North development manager Graham Winter told this masthead his team could soon be turning its attention to two new classes as part of its services.

“NORSTA’s current remit extends to maintaining the navy’s Cape Class patrol boats, with plans to take on additional vessels such as the Armidale Class Patrol Boats and, potentially, the Arafura Class patrol boats,” he said.

“This expansion is expected to further stimulate growth within the Darwin maritime sector, creating opportunities for local businesses and service providers to contribute to the navy’s operational readiness.”

NORSTA North is already working on Cape Class vessels (pictured). Source: Supplied.

Mr Winter said the added responsibility followed a successful period for NORSTA, which was awarded a $150 million contract in December for its RMC North facility in Darwin.

“An achievement for (us) in (our) first year of operation is being nominated for NT Chamber of Commerce excellence in business in the manufacturing and marine industries and (winning) the defence industry support award,” he said.

“NORSTA was also recognised by Defence employer support awards for their commitment to veterans in the workplace – both awards are a huge testament to the team’s hard work and impact in the industry.”

Mr Gosling told the forum defence industry would grow in the Top End. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

NORSTA was not the only stakeholder recognised at the forum, however, with Mr Gosling hailing the importance of wider local industry.

“In this room we have supply chain businesses, local industry advocacy bodies, academic institutions, training providers, Department of Defence representatives and community leaders,” he said.

“Every single one of you are vital to the defence maritime capability and delivery of this strategically important maintenance hub in the Top End.”

Appointed the Prime Minister’s special envoy for Defence, veterans and northern Australia, Mr Gosling told the forum he would seek to grow defence industry in the Top End.

“This is to harness the skills and talent we have here – RMC North is only the start.”

Originally published as Darwin’s NORSTA North confirms plans to service Armidale Class, Arafura Class