Sea

Several medium and longer-term ADF requirements are focusing the attention of both Defence and industry on uninhabited undersea vehicles (UUV), the potential of which seems likely to be fully realised initially in mine countermeasures (MCM) and hydrographic survey roles.

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Austal to close Tasmanian facility

Australian naval shipbuilder Austal is planning to close its production facilities in Tasmania to align its boat-building facilities with market demand.

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Austal submits final LCS proposal

Austal has submitted its best and final offer to the US Navy for a 10-vessel Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) contract.

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USN invests in more Austal JHSVs

The US Navy has exercised contract options funding long lead-time equipment associated with the construction of two additional 103-metre Joint High Speed Vessels.

HMAS Dechaineux has returned to service at Fleet Base West after completing her first Full-Cycle Docking at ASC in Adelaide.

Thales Australia has been named preferred tenderer to provide the satellite communications (SATCOM) equipment for the RAN’s Hobart-class Air Warfare Destroyers (AWD).

As at the end of April 2010, Navantia was 35.1 per cent toward LHD1 platform completion including the engineering, procurement and construction, compared to the planned 34.7 per cent for the timeframe.

The Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Russ Crane, has unveiled the latest edition of Australian Maritime Doctrine.

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New patrol boats for Customs

Initial documents have been issued in the tender process for eight Customs Cape class patrol boats, to replace the existing Bay class.

The AWD Alliance has signed a $25 million contract with Toll North for the transport of 66 modules by sea from Newcastle and Melbourne to Adelaide.

Guadeloupe-based ferry operator L'Express des Iles has selected Austal to design and construct two 47-metre high-speed catamaran ferries.

The US Navy has exercised contract options associated with the construction of two additional Joint High Speed Vessels by Austal.

Navy ships are practicing general mariner, surface and amphibious warfare skills in the Minor War Vessel Concentration Period sea phase.

Austal's 102-metre high-speed trimaran ferry has won the Manufacturer's Monthly Industrial Product of the Year Award at the 2010 Endeavour Awards.

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Thales preferred for AWD SATCOM

The Air Warfare Destroyer Alliance has selected Thales Australia as the preferred supplier for satellite communications equipment for the Hobart class.

ASC has fitted HMAS Dechaineux with the BYG-1 combat system and Mark48 Mod7 heavyweight torpedo, in the sub's first Full Cycle Docking.