Babcock launches digital platform to link warship construction and fleet support

VIENNA — U.K-based Babcock International has launched Pelorus, a digital platform intended to connect warship construction, operations and maintenance data.



The British defense and engineering company announced the launch Nov. 3 at the Euronaval defense trade show in Paris, saying the platform already operates in selected Babcock-managed maritime construction and support environments. Babcock did not identify the deployments or customers involved, or provide figures showing how the platform has affected fleet availability or maintenance costs.



According to the company, Pelorus combines information from multiple systems to track shipbuilding progress, commissioning and trials, fleet availability, maintenance and logistics.



“The future of maritime capability depends on the ability to connect design, production, operational and support data into a single digital environment,” said Nick Hine, Babcock’s chief growth officer and marine chief executive, in the announcement.



The company positioned the platform as supporting both existing fleets and future combinations of crewed and autonomous vessels, linking it to its ARMOR Force concept − short for Autonomous and Remote, Maritime Operational Response Force. Babcock said Pelorus could also be adapted for other defense and critical infrastructure applications.



Babcock’s naval business spans shipbuilding and long-term fleet support. The company is building five Type 31 frigates for Britain’s Royal Navy at its Rosyth yard in Scotland. It also maintains and upgrades British nuclear-powered submarines at Devonport and Clyde, according to its website.