Belmont firm PCT Engineers has used its oil and gas expertise as a basis for diversifying into the defence sector, in partnership with east coast consulting firm Capability by Design.
Belmont firm PCT Engineers has used its oil and gas expertise as a basis for diversifying into the defence sector, in partnership with east coast consulting firm Capability by Design.
PCT will be working with CBD to produce Australia’s first ‘safety case report’ for the Defence Department, using a software package called ShipShape.
The two companies signed contracts last week and will immediately begin work on a vessel docked at Henderson for conversion to meet naval requirements.
The vessel, originally built as a commercial tanker, will be used to provide under way replenishment (diesel, aviation and water) for the Royal Australian Navy fleet.
Upon completion of the conversion in July 2006, the vessel will be officially renamed HMAS Sirius. A crucial aspect of the conversion will be to demonstrate the safety of all modified and existing ship systems and to produce safety case reports.
CBD and PCT plan to combine best practice in safety management from the defence, IT and oil and gas industries to review the safety of the vessel.
The ShipShape asset management software will play a key part in the process. It provides a depository of all hazards and links these hazards to their appropriate risk mitigation measures.
PCT said ShipShape had a unique ability to graphically monitor risk profiles with time. At the click of a button, ShipShape will also provide the navy with a live electronic safety case report.
While Defence has conducted safety case reports for navy vessels in the past, PCT said ShipShape was revolutionary in its ability to continually monitor risks on naval vessels.
Dr Phillip Tirabosco, PCT’s service delivery manager/asset integrity, said the defence contract was a great opportunity for PCT to put its skills to use.
“PCT is proud to have established an Asset Management Services Group, which focuses and harnesses PCT’s unique expertise and knowledge to provide technical solutions to the management of assets over their lifecycle,” he said.
Headed by chief executive Paul Birighitti, PCT has grown to have about 160 staff.
It went through a major board restructure early this year when former PPB partner Mel Ashton was appointed chairman and Deacons partner John Chandler also joined the board.
The three founding shareholders, Angelo Dabala, Gary Napier and Geoff Longshaw, serve as non-executive directors.