Austal celebrates extensions and international orders

2:43 AM Tue 20 Jan 2009 GMT

'Austal will design and construct the first 103-metre JHSV, with options for 9 additional vessels expected to be exercised between FY09 and FY13.' .

Austal has commenced work on its US state-of-the-art modular manufacturing facility (MMF), which on completion will significantly boost the construction of the Alabama shipyard.

Located at Henderson in West Australia, designer and manufacturer of high performance aluminium vessels specialising in fast ferries and luxury yachts.

The 70,000m? MMF will allow Austal USA to build six large aluminium vessels - similar to its 127 metre Littoral Combat Ship currently under construction for the US Navy - each year, doubling the shipyard's existing capability.

With Phase I due to be completed by mid 2009, the facility will eventually accommodate an additional 1200 staff. Austal Managing Director, Bob Browning said the facility would greatly improve the efficiency and effectiveness of Austal USA's production processes.

"This allows us to offer a greater volume of vessels to our clients at increasingly competitive prices," he said.

Austal Managing Director Bob Browning said; "Peter will add significant international management experience and leadership to our Australian operations.' - ..

Upon completion in mid-2009, the first half of the 70,000 m? MMF will be available for the fabrication of all JHSV modules.

Austal USA's 1000-strong workforce, which is currently completing the US Navy's 127 metre Littoral Combat Ship "Independence" (LCS 2), as well as a 113 metre high speed catamaran for Hawaii Superferry, will grow to more than 1500 as a result of the JHSV programme. Sea trials of the recently-christened "Independence" (LCS 2) are scheduled to commence early next year.

In Australia, construction is continuing on six 30 metre fast patrol craft for the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard, due for delivery in early 2010, as well as three 22 metre police boats for the Queensland Police.

Also on the horizon for Austal is the recent win of the US Defence JHSV contract to design and build the US Department of Defence next generation multi-use platform. The Joint-High-Speed-Vessel (JHSV) is part of a program worth over US$1.6bn.

As Prime contractor, Austal will design and construct the first 103-metre JHSV, with options for nine additional vessels expected to be exercised between FY09 and FY13.

Similar to the Austal-built "WestPac Express" operated by the US Marines for the past seven years, the JHSV will be capable of transporting troops and their equipment, supporting humanitarian relief efforts, operating in shallow waters and reaching speeds in excess of 35 knots fully loaded. The vessels will be a joint-use platform operated by both the United States Army and Navy.

MD, Bob Browning said, "Being selected as Prime contractor for a major US Department of Defence shipbuilding program demonstrates Austal's capabilities as a defence supplier. Austal is very proud to have been selected to build an important part of the US Navy's fleet.'

The vessels will be built at Austal's US shipyard located in Mobile, Alabama, where work is continuing on the first phase of a new state-of-the-art Modular Manufacturing Facility (MMF).

More at www.austal.com

by Jeni Bone

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