Luerssen Australia has formed a strategic partnership with Australian Maritime Technologies (AMT).
The partnership establishes Luerssen’s in-country design capability for the Arafura Class Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) Program, and other potential programs, and aims to provide a seamless transition to through-life design and engineering.
The company says the partnership 'provides certainty and continuity for both parties' as Luerssen Australia develops its sovereign design capability in support of the transfer to Australia of Design Authority and design activity for the OPV program.
Luerssen Australia assures its commitment to Australian Industry Content (AIC) is a vital contribution to the strategy. The company reports it is forecast to achieve 63% AIC against its target of 60% and aims to continue to increase this figure.
“AMT has been growing its support to Luerssen Australia over the last two years and we have benefited from AMT’s strong experience and deep understanding of naval design and engineering in Australia,” Chief Executive Officer of Luerssen Australia, Jens Nielsen, said.
“This successful collaboration and cooperation between Luerssen Australia and AMT has given us the confidence to establish a long term strategic partnership.
“Luerssen Australia is committed to supporting Defence and growing in Australia and as we continue to develop our relationships with key partners, such as AMT, we will deliver the best capability to the Royal Australian Navy.”
AMT has a long history of naval ship design and has worked on combatants, auxiliary and specialist ships. It recently completed the ship designer role in the extensive mid-life combat and platform systems upgrades to the Royal New Zealand Navy’s ANZAC Class Frigates.
AMT Managing Director, Rob Dunbar, said the company was involved in the initial ANZAC Class design and build program 35 years ago.
“AMT is renowned for its customer focus in naval engineering, through our work for the Royal Australian Navy fleet and other projects in the region,” he said.
“We are delighted to focus on the long term success of the OPV Program in an open and cooperative way with Luerssen Australia.”