Austal Delivers First High Speed Support Vessel

Austal Limited (Austal) (ASX:ASB) is pleased to announce the RNOV Al Mubshir has been delivered to the Royal Navy of Oman.

The on-time and on-budget delivery of the vessel cements Austal’s reputation as a globally competitive defence prime contractor.

The 72m High Speed Support Vessel (HSSV) RNOV AL MUBSHIR (S11) during sea trials off Western Australia, March 2016.

The RNOV Al Mubshir is the first of two 72 metre High Speed Support Vessels (HSSVs) to be delivered to the Royal Navy of Oman under a US$124.9 million design, construct and integrated logistics support contract. Austal commenced construction of the HSSVs in August 2014 at its Henderson, Western Australia shipyard, with the second HSSV scheduled to be delivered later in CY2016, in line with the contract.

Presentation of the Builders Plaque for the 72m High Speed Support Vessel (HSSV) RNOV AL MUBSHIR (S11).

The HSSV offers a range of capabilities to support naval operations, including helicopter operations, rapid deployment of military personnel and cargo, and search and rescue operations. The vessels are expected to be deployed with a similar mission to the U.S. Navy’s Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF) program. Austal manufactures the 103-metre EPF at its shipyard in Mobile, Alabama.

Austal Chief Executive Officer David Singleton said delivery of RNOV Al Mubshir on schedule and within budget reflected Austal’s international competitiveness and its capability to design, construct and export high-value defence vessels to new markets from its Australia shipyard.

“The HSSV leverages our revolutionary intellectual property and technology in high speed vessels and demonstrate our proven ability as a prime defence contractor to navies across the globe,” Mr Singleton said.

“Construction of the second HSSV is progressing well and on track for delivery to the Royal Navy of Oman later this year.

“Meanwhile, the Henderson shipyard is also busy with construction of two further Cape Class Patrol Vessels valued at $63 million, which will be deployed by the Royal Australian Navy, as well as design work for the recently awarded $305 million Pacific Patrol Boats Replacement Project.”

Signing of the Interim Acceptance Certificate for the 72m High Speed Support Vessel (HSSV) RNOV AL MUBSHIR (S11).

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About Austal

Austal is a global defence prime contractor and a designer and manufacturer of defence and commercial ships. For more than 27 years Austal has been a leader in the design, construction and maintenance of revolutionary ships for governments, navies and ferry operators around the world. More than 255 vessels have been delivered in that time.

Ships

Defence vessels designed and built by Austal include multi-mission combatants, such as the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) for the United States Navy and military high speed vessels  for transport and humanitarian relief, such as the Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF) ships for the U.S. Navy and High Speed Support Vessel (HSSV) for the Royal Navy of Oman. Austal also designs, constructs, integrates and maintains an extensive range of patrol and auxiliary vessels for government agencies globally, including the Cape Class Patrol Boat Program for Australian Border Force. Defence vessels are designed and constructed in Mobile, Alabama and in Henderson, Western Australia.

Austal has been at the forefront of the high speed ferry market since the early days of the industry. Our market leading designs of high performance aluminium vessels have long been at the heart of Austal’s research and development. Today, commercial ship construction is centred on our shipyard in Balamban, Philippines.

Systems

Austal has expertise in integrating complex systems into its ships, including ride control, ship management, and communication, sensors and weapon systems.

Support

Austal provides a wide range of support services, including through life support, integrated logistics support, vessel sustainment and systems support. These services are delivered through our global support network in the USA, Australia, Asia, and the Middle East together with partner shipyards worldwide.