NORSTA wins $150 million Darwin RMP contract

Cairns-based NORSTA North Pty Ltd has been awarded the Regional Maintenance Provider contract to operate a Regional Maintenance Centre, known as RMC North, located in Darwin. The five-year $150 million contract will create 37 direct jobs and support a broader industrial ship repair workforce of approximately 56 people in the region.

The company will coordinate the delivery of maintenance for Navy vessels in the region, supporting Defence’s national approach to sustainment of the Royal Australian Navy fleet. NORSTA already holds the RMP contract to operate the RMC North East based in Cairns.

“This Regional Maintenance Provider contract provides the key link between NORSTA North Pty Ltd and the Commonwealth to bolster Defence sovereign capability and industry participation in the Top End,” said Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy.

“This strategically important Regional Maintenance Centre based in Darwin will have positive impacts on the local community and defence industry, creating jobs and increasing economic activity centred around sustainment of our naval fleet.

“Naval forces in Darwin serve as a rapid response capability for addressing security challenges, bolstering humanitarian aid efforts and supporting disaster relief operations, greatly contributing to security and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.”

RMC North is the fourth and final addition to a national network of strategically located sustainment centres and is on track to be fully operational in the second quarter of 2024, initially supporting the sustainment of Navy’s Cape class patrol boats.

A key priority area identified in response to the Defence Strategic Review is improving the ability of the Australian Defence Force to operate from Australia’s northern bases.

RMC North’s establishment will ensure key naval assets are available when and where they are needed. It will enable Navy to operate in Australia’s immediate region to help protect our sea lines of communication and maritime trade and help support Navy’s contribution to security and cooperation in the region.