The Australian government is taking significant measures to strengthen the nation's shipbuilding capabilities and support the Western Australian defense industry. This involves a strategic partnership between the Defense sector and Austal Limited at Henderson Shipyard, marking a crucial moment for Australia's maritime capabilities.
Prompted by the Defense Strategic Review, which identified a potential shortfall in work for shipbuilders at Henderson, the government is urgently exploring industry consolidation. Henderson, as one of Australia's two major shipbuilding hubs, holds national importance in constructing and sustaining vessels for the Australian Defence Force. The transformative initiative aims to secure Henderson's future as a crucial naval shipbuilding complex, equipped to meet the evolving needs of the Defence Force.
This strategic move promises a secure pipeline of work at Henderson, offering industry stakeholders greater certainty and contributing to the long-term stability of skilled jobs, infrastructure development, and heightened productivity in the local economy.
Under the strategic shipbuilder pilot program, Austal will spearhead the construction of Army’s Landing Craft Medium and Heavy (Littoral Manoeuvre Vessels) at Henderson. Pending successful negotiations and ongoing performance evaluations, this endeavor will expedite and broaden the delivery of vessels, empowering the Army's ability to execute littoral manoeuvre operations in alignment with the Defence Strategic Review.
Australia’s Birdon Group Pty Ltd has been chosen as the preferred designer for the Landing Craft Medium capability. Collaborating with Birdon, the Commonwealth will progress design maturation for the construction of 18 vessels at Henderson. Based on the project's performance, the government also envisions building the Landing Craft Heavy capability through this strategic partnership.
Quotes from key figures underscore the government's commitment to delivering world-class, sovereign capabilities. Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon Richard Marles MP, highlights the significance of securing continuous naval shipbuilding at Henderson, ensuring industry confidence and contributing to the West Australian economy.
Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Pat Conroy MP, emphasizes the transformative approach to Australian shipbuilding, heralding a continuous pipeline of work and a streamlined process that benefits Defence capability delivery while instilling confidence in industry investment.
Western Australian Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Paul Papalia MLA, reflects on the state's journey from having no voice in the national stage to being recognized as a key contributor to the nation's defence strategy.
As part of this strategic initiative, Austal will also deliver two new Evolved Cape-Class Patrol Boats for the Royal Australian Navy, enhancing at-sea navigation and seamanship training capabilities.
The collaboration between Defense and Austal will be formalized through a Heads of Agreement, outlining the principles and framework governing this enduring partnership. Negotiations for a strategic shipbuilder agreement will commence, marking a commitment to a sovereign and enduring naval shipbuilding and sustainment industry at Henderson. This aligns with the government's pledge to ensure continuous naval shipbuilding in Australia and deliver the capabilities necessary to safeguard Australians.