BMT, a global leader in maritime design, technical consultancy, and engineering, has acquired Australian Maritime Technologies (AMT), an independent, wholly Australian-owned naval design and marine engineering consultancy based in Melbourne. Specialising in engineering, design, and consulting services for marine projects, AMT has built a strong reputation for high-quality service delivery, which strengthens BMT’s capabilities in ship design and engineering for defence and commercial maritime customers. 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’s Graeme Nayler, Regional Business Director, APAC (right), and AMT’s Rob Dunbar, Managing Director (left). BMT/2024.
Founded in 1987, AMT has earned a strong reputation as an innovative naval engineering consultancy, delivering high-impact design and engineering solutions to clients such as the Royal Australian Navy and leading defence primes like Luerssen and BAE Systems. Through its strategic partnership with Luerssen Australia, 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. This collaboration supports the growth of Luerssen Australia’s sovereign design expertise, including the transfer of Design Authority for the OPV programme.
AMT’s experience in naval ship design spans a wide range of combatants, auxiliary, and specialist vessels. It played a key role as the ship designer in the mid-life combat and platform systems upgrades for the Royal New Zealand Navy’s ANZAC Class Frigates, a programme it was initially part of 35 years ago.
With a team of around 60 highly skilled professionals, AMT is known for its customer-centric approach, supporting the Royal Australian Navy and a host of other customers in the APAC region. Their expertise has made a lasting impact on defence initiatives, including the ANZAC Frigates and OPV programmes, solidifying AMT’s position as a trusted partner in the defence sector. Now, joining forces with BMT, AMT is poised to leverage BMT’s global resources while continuing to deliver world-class naval engineering expertise in Australia and beyond.
Anzac Class frigates HMAS Stuart (front) and Parramatta (back) to showcase the engineering legacy strengthened by this partnership. Adobe stock image/2024.
Graeme Nayler, Regional Business Director, APAC, at BMT, said: “We are thrilled to welcome AMT into the BMT family. Their extensive expertise in multidisciplinary 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, Managing Director of AMT, 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.”
Sarah Kenny OBE, Chief Executive of BMT, commented: “This acquisition is a key step in our strategy to enhance our capabilities and expand our presence in the defence and maritime sectors across the Asia-Pacific. BMT’s extensive experience in naval programmes – including the Fleet Solid Support (FSS) Ships, Queen Elizabeth-class carriers, Tide Class, Norwegian Logistics Support Vessel, and Type 31 Frigate – complements AMT’s specialised local expertise. By combining BMT’s global reach with AMT’s Australian capabilities, we are well-positioned to deliver innovative solutions that meet our clients’ evolving needs. This partnership not only strengthens our support for the Royal Australian Navy but also opens new avenues for growth and innovation in the regional market.”
Both BMT 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.
