Austal Hosts New Defence Industry Minister and WA Defence Industry Council Meeting

Austal Limited (ASX:ASB) has welcomed Australia’s new Minister for Defence Industry, The Hon. Christopher Pyne MP to the company’s Henderson, Western Australia shipyard, along with Senator Linda Reynolds CSC and The Hon. Michael Mischin MLC, WA Attorney General and Minister for Commerce.

During Minister Pyne’s first visit to Henderson and Austal, he reviewed construction progress of two 58 metre Cape-class patrol boats (CCPB’s) to be delivered to the Royal Australian Navy in 2017. These two follow on from eight CCPB’s designed and constructed by Austal for the Australian Border Force over 2013 – 2015, which are now operating across Northern Australia.

On-board the RNOV AL NAASIR, one of two 72 metre High Speed Support Vessels (HSSV’s) designed and constructed for the Royal Navy of Oman, Austal Chief Executive Officer David Singleton briefed the Minister on the Australian shipbuilder’s demonstrated success as an innovator, exporter and defence prime contractor; and highlighted the broader capability of the Australian Marine Complex (AMC) at Henderson.

“Austal has a proven track record of successfully delivering innovative defence vessel platforms for the world’s leading naval fleets - including the 127 metre Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) and 103 metre Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF) for the US Navy.

“We are immensely proud to showcase our local shipbuilding and sustainment capabilities to the Minister; including our preparations for the 19 vessel, steel Pacific Patrol Boat Replacement program and readiness for the 12 vessel, steel Offshore Patrol Vessel (SEA1180) program,” Mr Singleton said.

“As Australia’s only global prime defence contractor, Austal supports and is looking forward to participating in the Australian Government’s shipbuilding plan.”

Over 20 members attended today’s WA Defence Industry Council meeting, hosted by Austal and chaired by Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA (CCIWA) Chief Executive Officer, Deidre Willmott. Supported by Senator Linda Reynolds and Minister Mischin, the Council highlighted with Minister Pyne the tremendous capability of the WA Defence Industry sector and the readiness of Western Australia to play a major role in delivering national defence capability projects including the Offshore Patrol Vessel (SEA1180), Future Frigate (SEA5000) and Submarine (SEA1000) programs.

Minister Pyne's party inspects construction of two Cape-class patrol boats to be delivered to the Royal Australian Navy in 2017.

Minister for Defence Industry, The Hon Christopher Pyne MP, The Hon Michael Mischin MLC (WA Attorney General and Minister for Commerce) and Austal Chairman, John Rothwell at Austal’s Henderson shipyard; ABFC Cape Wessel in the background undergoing routine servicing.

Minister for Defence Industry Christopher Pyne, Senator Linda Reynolds and WA Attorney General and Minister for Commerce Michael Mischin meet some of the Austal Australia production team at the Henderson shipyard, introduced by Austal CEO David Singleton.

Minister for Defence Industry Christopher Pyne, Senator Linda Reynolds and WA Attorney General and Minister for Commerce Michael Mischin disembarking one of two 72 metre High Speed Support Vessels designed and constructed at Austal for the Royal Navy of Oman.

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) for the United States 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.