The Australian department of defense announced that it has released a request for tender to three shortlisted designers for the $3 billion dollar offshore patrol vessel project.
Christopher Pyne, minister for defense industry, said the request for tender will see Damen, Fassmer and Luerssen team up with Australian shipbuilders.
The 12 new offshore patrol vessels whose construction is on track to start construction in Adelaide in 2018 before moving to Western Australia in 2020, will replace Australia’s existing Armidale-class patrol boat fleet.
“We want to ensure the tenderers’ responses maximise Australian industry opportunities through a local build using Australian made steel,” said Minister Pyne.
“This includes how they will transition their existing supply chains to Australian supply chains and how they will integrate local suppliers in their global supply chains.”
“These Australian-built vessels will form an important part of the Government’s investment to strengthen our maritime surveillance systems,” Minister for Defence, Marise Payne said.
“Safeguarding Australia’s maritime approaches, offshore territories and borders is essential for Australia’s national security.”