Company Announcement - Naval frigates are characterised by their subscription to the utmost levels of quality technology. The opportunity to provide naval-rated air conditioning units is one of the highest compliments a company can receive, and underscored the award to Booyco Engineering of a contract to manufacture HVAC equipment for two shipsets supplied by an international Original Equipment Manufacturer for naval vessels deployed by a major North African end user. The contract award was based partly on Booyco Engineering’s supply of naval-rated HVAC equipment for four SA Navy frigates in 2003, as part of a technology offset agreement. These units are all still running very successfully, demonstrating the superior levels of design and manufacturing that form an integral part of the Booyco Engineering ethos. Booyco Engineering’s team is accustomed to producing the technical documentation necessary to support products and to comply with standard military requirements.

“A focus on manufacturing our products to conform to the requirements of ISO 9001:2008, coupled with comprehensive performance testing, ensures uncompromising quality levels. We comply with global standards, as is evidenced by our accreditation by BVQi (to UKAS and ANAB) for the past 12 years,” Jeremy Pougnet, CEO of Booyco Engineering, says. “Booyco Engineering’s cost competitiveness, attractive lead times and previous experience in the sector were deciding factors in the contract award,” Pougnet adds.

Prior to the commencement of manufacture, Booyco Engineering sent a number of its employees and subcontractor employees for focused training. The training programme provided guidance on working with the specialised aluminium used to construct the air conditioning equipment. Further training on the systematic assembly of the components was included in this extensive knowledge and skills transfer exercise.

Manufacture of the Booyco Engineering units took about six months, encompassing a stringently controlled process followed by thermodynamic performance testing in the company’s in-house climate chamber. These tests enabled Booyco Engineering to verify that the units met all the operating parameters specified. Each unit was then certified to ensure compliance with the relevant specifications, prior to shipping to Hamburg, where they were integrated into the larger HVAC system.

“The OEM we worked with on this project is a leading global supplier of marine equipment to the shipbuilding industry, with an impressive track record. It is indeed a privilege for Booyco Engineering to be selected to provide part of the HVAC solution for this flagship project,” Pougnet concludes.