German shipbuilder Luerssen – the prime contractor in the Australian SEA 1180 offshore patrol vessel program – has formed a joint venture with Australian engineering and defense contractor Civmec.
The joint venture will be called the Australian Maritime Shipbuilding and Export Group and will play a major role in the construction of 10 of overall 12 offshore patrol vessels for the Royal Australian Navy.
Additionally, the JV will explore possibilities of exporting its products in the region.
The announcement was welcomed by the Australian defense industry minister Christopher Pyne MP who said the joint venture was another positive step forward.
“This is great news as the group will play a significant role in the Western Australian build of ten offshore patrol vessels using Luerssen’s proven design,” minister Pyne said.
“In November 2017, the Turnbull government selected Luerssen as the prime contractor to supply 12 OPVs to the Navy.”
“The whole project is worth around $3.6 billion and construction of the first OPV will start in South Australia later this year using ASC.”
“I commend AMSEG for their commitment to advancing Australia’s sovereign shipbuilding capability,” minister Pyne said.
“By investing in Australian skills and infrastructure, and looking at opportunities to export into the global naval market, AMSEG is signalling its intent to be a key player in establishing Australia as a competitive shipbuilding nation.”