Austal
has launched the first of two 72m High Speed Support Vessels (HSSV’s)
being built for the Royal Navy of Oman (RNO), yesterday. Hull 390 -
the future RNOV Al Mubshir - was successfully launched after 13 months
of construction and fitout at the company’s Henderson, Western
Australia shipyard. |
Austal
Chief Executive Officer Andrew Bellamy said the on-schedule launching
of the first HSSV demonstrates Austal’s proven capability to design,
construct (and support) large, multiple naval vessel programs; locally,
globally, successfully.
Mr Bellamy commented “From our defence portfolio, Austal is
currently contracted to deliver ten 127m Frigate-sized Littoral Combat
Ships and ten 103m Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF) vessels to the
United States Navy – as well as two OPV-sized 72m High Speed Support
Vessels, here in Western Australia for the Royal Navy of Oman.”
“Our track record here in Australia and overseas clearly supports
Austal’s strong proposition that we can effectively and efficiently
deliver the Australian Government’s Future Frigate and Offshore
Patrol Vessel programs,” Mr Bellamy added.
Based on the proven Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF) platform - previously
known as the Joint High Speed Vessel (JHSV) - the HSSV offers a range
of capabilities to support naval operations, including helicopter operations,
rapid deployment of military personnel and cargo, search and rescue
operations, humanitarian aid and disaster relief missions.
Austal was awarded the US$124.9 million contract for the design, construction
and integrated logistics support of the two HSSV’s in March 2014
and construction commenced in August 2014.
This first HSSV will now complete final fitout before sea trials, prior
to delivery to the RNO early in 2016. The second HSSV is under construction
and is on schedule for completion in mid 2016. |
