Maritime design and engineering consultancy BMT has acquired Melbourne-based Australian Maritime Technologies (AMT), the company announced on 2 December 2024.
A specialist in engineering, design and consulting services for marine projects, AMT will be used to strengthen BMT’s capabilities in ship design and engineering for defence and commercial maritime customers and to enhance BMT’s ability to pursue new business in the Asia-Pacific region.
“The synergies between BMT and AMT position them to deliver advanced solutions, combining BMT’s global reach with AMT’s depth of Australian expertise,” BMT stated in a press release.
Founded in 1987, AMT has developed a reputation as an innovative naval engineering consultancy, working for clients such as the Royal Australian Navy and leading defence primes such as Luerssen and BAE Systems.
Through its strategic partnership with Luerssen Australia, for example, AMT has played a key role in establishing in-country design capability for the Arafura-class offshore patrol vessel (OPV) programme, supporting a smooth transition to through-life OPV design and engineering. AMT’s experience in naval ship design also saw the company play a key role as the ship designer in the Royal New Zealand Navy’s Anzac-class frigate mid-life upgrade.
“We are thrilled to welcome AMT into the BMT family,” Graeme Nayler, BMT’s regional business director for the Asia-Pacific region, was quoted as saying in a company press release. “Their extensive expertise in multi-disciplinary naval ship design, mechanical systems and combat systems integration aligns seamlessly with BMT’s vision to deliver innovative, comprehensive solutions to clients worldwide. This acquisition strengthens our maritime engineering and design capabilities and expands our commercial reach, driving growth across the Asia-Pacific region.”
Rob Dunbar, AMT’s managing director, added, “Joining BMT offers an exciting opportunity for AMT. Our shared values and BMT’s focus on innovation will enable us to further advance our sovereign Australian naval design and maritime engineering capabilities while creating new growth opportunities for our expanded team.”
BMT noted in its press release that both it and AMT are committed to employee ownership, with BMT operating as an employee benefit trust and AMT as a staff-owned company. “This approach ensures that AMT, as a wholly Australian and staff-owned entity, will maintain its independence and core values while leveraging BMT’s global resources. This creates an environment where employees are empowered to drive continued success,” BMT stated.
