$3billion contract for 12 offshore-patrol vessels signed

A multi-billion dollar offfshore-patrol vessel contract with Lürssen of Germany was signed yesterday.

Minister for Defence Industry Christopher Pyne said the contract with Lürssen to lead the design and build is worth at least $3 billion for 12 OPVs.

“The vessels will be delivered by Australian workers, in Australian shipyards using Australian steel,”  Minister Pyne said.

“The project will create around 1000 jobs – 400 direct and a further 600 in the supply chain.

“The OPV project will also help preserve and enhance shipbuilding skills required for future frigates.”

The first two OPVs will be built at the Osborne Naval Shipyard in South Australia starting this year and the remaining 10 will be constructed at the Henderson Maritime Precinct in Western Australia from 2020.

Minister Pyne said Lürssen would sub-contract ASC (Australian Submarine Corporation) to build the first two ships in SA and were in negotiations with Austal and Civmec to build the following 10 ships in WA.

“Civmec will provide the steel from Australian suppliers for all 12 OPVs.

“The OPV project is part of the Turnbull Government’s $89 billion continuous shipbuilding program which will deliver 54 new vessels to address the regional and global threats in the decades ahead.”

As a footnote to the above (edited and abridged) ‘jobs-and-growth’ party political announcement, Minister Pyne’s press releasee also mentioned that the OPVs would have an important role protecting Australia’s borders and would provide greater range and endurance for the Navy than the existing patrol-boat fleet.

 

RELATED STORIES:

• Offshore Patrol Vessel bid winner announced
• $40billion shipbuilding program planned
• Industry Roadshow re Future Frigate and OPV opportunities rolls out

 

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