Defence Minister Christopher Pyne has announced the start of construction on the Navy’s new Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) at Osborne in South Australia.
The multi-billion dollar project involves the construction of 12 new OVPs that will replace and improve upon the capability delivered by the Navy’s thirteen Armidale Class Patrol Boats.
The first two Luerssen-designed vessels will be constructed by ASC at the Osborne Naval Shipyards in South Australia, with the remaining 10 OPVs to be built at the Austal shipyard in Henderson, Western Australia.
The project will use Australian steel cut in WA by Civmec and will create up to 1000 direct and indirect jobs,
“These new vessels are being built in Australian facilities, with Australian steel, and by Australian workers,” Minister Pyne noted.
“Only a year ago we announced Lürssen was the preferred tenderer. It’s a fantastic achievement to start construction on time and on budget and I’d like to thank everyone involved in the project.”
ASC CEO and Managing Director Stuart Whiley added:
“Today, the highly skilled ASC shipbuilders commence their second surface shipbuilding project and Australia embarks on continuous naval shipbuilding for decades to come.”
Luerssen Australia Chairman Tim Wagner said the company was excited to be partnering with companies like ASC, Civmec, Saab Australia, L3, Taylor Bros and Penske for the delivery of the SEA1180 program.
“This is a momentous day both for Luerssen Australia and Australia’s naval shipbuilding sector; a partnership with the Australian Government and the local industry that points to a bright future,” Mr Wagner said.
“We are proud to be part of this nation’s shipbuilding capability, and to ensure that German design and technology can be married with the best of Australian manufacturing and ingenuity.”
