Australia: Austal Wins High Speed Support Vessels Contract

Austal Limited (Austal) has been awarded a contract from a naval customer in the Middle East for the design, construction and integrated logistics support of two 72 metre High Speed Support Vessels (HSSVs).

The value of the contract is approximately US$124.9 million.

Austal will construct the HSSVs at its shipyard in Henderson, Western Australia. Construction of the first vessel is expected to commence in CY2014, with the second vessel expected to be delivered in CY2016.

The HSSVs will be deployed with a similar mission to the Joint High Speed Vessels currently being constructed by Austal for the US Navy at the Company’s shipyard in Mobile, Alabama.

The HSSVs will offer a range of capabilities to support naval operations, including helicopter operations, rapid deployment of military personnel and cargo, and search and rescue operations.

Austal Chief Executive Officer Andrew Bellamy said the contract reflected the Company’s strategy of pursuing higher-value, defence vessel export opportunities in new markets.

“At Henderson, for example, we have a proven ability in designing, constructing and supporting defence vessels, including our current eight-ship Cape Class Patrol Boat contract for the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service. Meanwhile, our commercial ferry operations have been successfully transferred to our Philippines shipyard, Mr Bellamy said.

“The contract also illustrates the growing recognition by international naval forces of the utility of high speed support vessels, following on from our 10-ship Joint High Speed Vessel contract for the US Navy.”

Further details cannot be released at this time due to a customer confidentiality agreement.

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Press Release, March 10, 2014, 2014; Image: Austal