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The new office will initially support preparations for the Australian Government’s $3 billion Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) project, which will see 12 vessels constructed for the Royal Australian Navy from 2018. It will also enable Austal to prepare for the Government’s Future Frigate project, comprising nine vessels to be constructed in Adelaide from 2020.
Austal has entered into a 50:50 joint venture partnership with German designer Fassmer for the OPV project, offering a customised, low-risk solution based on a proven design platform and build strategy that has successfully delivered seven similar vessels internationally, to date.
The effective, holistic transfer of this new OPV capability to Australian industry will enable local, high quality support for the Royal Australian Navy, build local industry capability and allow Austal - Australia’s largest defence exporter - to pursue new industry-building export opportunities.
Austal Chief Executive Officer David Singleton said “A clear point of difference with our (Austal Fassmer) OPV solution is that the customised, detailed design for the OPV80 will be completed by Australians in Australia; led by an internationally competitive, successful Australian shipbuilder.”
Complementing experienced design and project management team members from both Austal and Fassmer, locally-recruited designers and project managers will help establish the new Adelaide office from June 2017.
“As a key stakeholder in the delivery of the Australian Government’s Continuous Naval Shipbuilding Program, which includes the 19 vessel Pacific Patrol Boat Replacement Project we’ve just cut steel on, it is absolutely critical that we establish a strong presence in both Australian shipbuilding hubs.
“We’re committed to employing, training and developing the very best talent in shipbuilding design, engineering and manufacturing in Australia for this national endeavour,” Mr Singleton added.
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