Austal strengthens sustainment capability in Asia-Pacific

Austal has announced new strategic partnerships with regional shipyards at the IMDEX Asia defence exhibition in Singapore.

Following on from the strategic partnership with Singapore’s Sembawang Shipyard Pte Ltd announced in January 2013, Austal has now secured similar agreements with Unithai Shipyard and Engineering in Thailand and Cam Ranh Shipyard in Vietnam.

“We are focussed on developing a comprehensive capability tailored to support the requirements of the US Navy’s fleet of Littoral Combat Ships (LCS) and Joint High Speed Vessels (JHSV), both of which are expected to operate in the region,” he said, noting that the first LCS recently deployed to the region,” Austal chief executive officer Andrew Bellamy said.

Austal is currently contracted to build ten 103 metre JHSVs under a US$1.6 billion contract and eight 127 metre Independence-variant LCSs, six of which are a part of a 10-ship US$3.5 billion contract. Austal has already delivered one LCS and one JHSV.

“We have our own people and facilities in the western and northern Australia, as well as in the Philippines, and we are now well down the road of expanding our support capability both geographically and in terms of facilities and manpower,” Bellamy said.

“Aligning with these capable shipyards is an efficient and effective way of rapidly expanding the area and customer base to which we can make our specialist capabilities available.”

Unithai Shipyard will be Austal’s preferred repair shipyard such as the LCSs and JHSVs that require repairs when operating near Thailand.

“We recognise that Unithai Shipyard is one of largest integrated ship repair facilities in Thailand , with a world-class reputation based on its commitment to high standards covering health, safety and the environment, timely delivery, superior customer service and innovative solutions,” Bellamy said.

In Vietnam, Austal has signed an MOU with Cam Ranh Shipyard. The modern shipyard is strategically located in one of the best deep water harbours in the world, approximately equal distances from Hong Kong, Manila and Singapore.

“Cam Ranh Shipyard has already carried out work on multiple Military Sealift Command ships, which demonstrates it has the ability to undertake repair and maintenance to MSC requirements effectively and cost-efficiently,” Bellamy said.

“Our expertise with high speed craft such as the LCSs and MSC-operated JHSVs will enable Cam Ranh Shipyard to expand on its existing activities, and Austal to provide better support ships operating in or transiting through the western part of the South China Sea,” he said.