Marine Design Centre member Stauff UK is delighted to announce the specification and order of an adapted version of its PPDA Defence approved pipe clamp for use onboard the BAE Systems., Astute Class submarine. The first order, utilising many thousands of clamps has been delivered and is already being fitted on boat 3.

Following the initial design of Astute, Stauff Defence & Marine became involved through the Boat Improvements team on better ways of supporting on-board pipework. The overriding objective set for Stauff was to improve the quality of the installation and reduce both the purchase and installation costs over the previously specified on-board pipe bracketery.

Some two years later, having seen both companies work tirelessly to implement the change and having completed a test programme, exceeding that of normal MoD approvals, PPDA (Polypropylene Defence Approved) was fully accepted and fitted.

"Our development work continues", says Andrew Shaw of Stauff D&M. "Astute has fully embraced the concept of using a Stauff clamp and is looking at a number of improved solutions for use on-board."

Stauff has invested heavily in the UK over recent years, with the opening in 2007 of a purpose built, fully automated manufacturing and distribution centre.

The company's market sectors include commercial vessels, naval defence, offshore (oil and gas) and offshore renewable energy. Key customers include BAE Systems, A&P Group and Babcock - including superyachts, ship repair and ship design.

By taking commercially available off-the-shelf product, Stauff ensures the parts are suitable for both commercial & military new builds / re-fits alike. This by ensuring many of the world wide ship building approvals and standards are met and are already in place for the products they supply.