BAE Systems Australia designs, manufactures, upgrades, and supports advanced defence systems across air, land, sea, cyber, and space. As a major partner to the Royal Australian Navy and the Department of Defence, their facilities at Henderson (WA) and Osborne (SA) are integral to national shipbuilding programs, including the sustainment of surface vessels and the construction of next-generation warships.
The Challenge
Operating within Australia’s leading maritime precincts, BAE Systems required robust, relocatable infrastructure to support a variety of defence applications — from paint and blast operations to component storage, crane operations, and logistics coordination. Their needs have evolved over time, requiring custom solutions that could scale with projects, adapt to different operational demands, and integrate seamlessly into existing worksites.
While both sites are classified within Wind Region A, they experience strong coastal conditions, salt exposure, and frequent storms. Infrastructure needed to provide reliable weather protection without compromising on flexibility or compliance.
The DomeShelter™ Solutions
Over more than a decade, DomeShelter Australia has designed, manufactured, and delivered a suite of fit-for-purpose DomeShelter™ Structures to support BAE Systems’ operations across both states.
Henderson, Western Australia
At BAE’s purpose-built shipyard within the Australian Marine Complex, a series of Container Mounted DomeShelter™ Structures were deployed for applications including paint and blast booths, storage, and staff facilities.
Delivered structures include:
- 21 m × 18.3 m CMDS with integrated gutters
- 3 m × 15 m CMDS
- 12 m × 12.2 m CMDS with endwalls and concrete hold-downs
- 6 m × 12.2 m CMDS
Engineered for Wind Region A, each structure delivers proven durability against coastal conditions, protecting critical assets and keeping BAE’s operations running safely, year-round.
Osborne, South Australia
At the Osborne Naval Shipyard, home to major programs within the AUKUS and Hunter Class Frigate initiatives, DomeShelter Australia has supplied a range of fit-for-purpose container-mounted and truss structures to support BAE Systems’ expanding shipbuilding operations.
These include:
- A 30 m × 42.65 m Truss CMDS with roller doors, full endwalls, and IL2 certification
- 15 m and 17 m wide container-mounted shelters with partial endwalls and PA doors
- Multiple modular work bays and storage shelters for tools and components
Supplied in compact kit form and installed efficiently by experienced contractors, these shelters combine engineering strength, modular flexibility, and compliance with the defence sector’s specifical requirements.
Outcomes
- Operational Continuity: Shelter solutions enable work to continue safely and efficiently in challenging conditions.
- Scalability: Modular design allows BAE Systems to expand, relocate, or reconfigure shelters as programs evolve.
- Defence-Grade Engineering: All structures are engineered to 2:2021 standards and meet ISO 9001 and ISO 45001 certification requirements.
- Proven Partnership: More than a decade of continuous collaboration across two states demonstrates trust in DomeShelter Australia’s reliability, quality, and service.
- Reduced Downtime: Fast deployment and minimal site disruption support BAE’s time-critical defence programs.
Over ten years and dozens of installations, BAE Systems Australia has trusted DomeShetler Australia providing reliable, fit-for-purpose infrastructure that supports some of the nation’s most critical defence programs.
From the shipbuilding docks of Osborne to the coastal yards of Henderson, every Shelter reflects the same principles that define both organisations — engineering precision, reliability, and a commitment to protecting people and assets in Australia’s toughest environments.
