Image credit: www.austal.com
Austal has secured an $18 million sustainment contract for the Royal Australian Navy’s Cape-class Patrol Boats, Cape Fourcroy and Cape Inscription.
Austal said the sustainment work will be in addition to the work undertaken by the company for the Australian Border Force and will utilise much of the same experience and capabilities.
According to Austal’s CEO, David Singleton, the 3-year contract will employ eight directly and 20 indirectly in local contractors and Austal’s own facilities in the Cairns area.
“We are very pleased to have received this vote of confidence from the Royal Australian Navy. We have invested heavily in people, software tools and our facilities in Cairns, Darwin and Henderson in recent years to develop the capability to deliver this service” Mr Singleton said.
“The deployment of Austal’s patrol boats by the Commonwealth will allow export opportunities for Australia by effectively showcasing the vessel with a world class Navy. Austal is constantly pursuing opportunities for the Cape-class Patrol Boats and Pacific Patrol Boats to potential overseas customers.”
He said exports derived from defence programs highlight the potential ‘multiplier effect’ on local job creation, where Australian suppliers are engaged to deliver both domestic and international contracts.
“Every program we deliver creates both direct and indirect jobs right across the country,” Mr Singleton continued.
“Austal has always operated with an export focus, and four out of every five ships we build are for the international market.”
The company and its partner Fassmer are in contention for the $3 billion Offshore Patrol Vessel Project. Austal has also inked a teaming agreement with ASC Shipbuilding to offer a local Australian shipbuilding solution for the $35 billion Future Frigate Project.
