AWD delivery dates pushed back

Australia's Air Warfare Destroyers (AWDs) will arrive later than planned, with the first to be delivered in March 2016 rather than late 2014.

Minister for Defence Stephen Smith and Defence Materiel Jason Clare revealed a re-baselining of the AWD construction schedule following a ceremony for laying of the keel of first destroyer Hobart.

The AWD Alliance conducted a detailed analysis of the construction schedule and advised Defence that the keel to keel interval should be extended to 18 months between each ship.

According to the AWD Alliance, extending the AWD ship building program will help avoid a decline in naval shipbuilding skills before the commencement of Australia’s largest and most complex Naval project – the Future Submarine.

The revised AWD project plan is said to reduce peak demand on project critical resources and facilities, and reduces project risk.

The new schedule is also said to not increase the cost of the project nor result in the loss of any jobs therefore retaining skills in the Naval shipbuilding industry.

It will extend the period of work for the Alliance and its partners including the shipyards in Adelaide (ASC) and Newcastle (Forgacs).

The re-baselined construction schedule will help Navy reduce the challenge and risks associated with accepting into service two major capabilities (Landing Helicopter Dock Ships and the Air Warfare Destroyer) at around the same time.

The re-baselined schedule will mean the delivery dates for first of the AWDs, HMAS Hobart, will arrive in March 2016, HMAS Brisbane in September 2017 and HMAS Sydney in March 2019.

The changes were made following extensive consultation with industry and with the Navy to maintain a skilled workforce in the naval shipbuilding industry and a timeline that meets Navy’s operational, recruitment and training.

“This decision reflects extensive consultation between Defence and industry and ASC welcomes the Government’s commitment to Navy shipbuilding in this country,” Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer ASC, Stephen Ludlam said.

The new schedule has been welcomed by industry.

“Forgacs wholeheartedly supports the extended AWD schedule. This is a major plus for both Forgacs and Australian shipbuilding capability.  Forgacs can now retain its skilled marine engineering workforce of 1200 people – skills vital in supplying our nation with warship capability for a secure future,” Executive Director Forgacs Engineering, Tony Lobb said.