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Australia-based shipbuilding defence prime Austal has signed a memorandum of understanding with NSW shipbuilder Birdon to jointly deliver the Australian Department of Defence Landing Craft-Medium (LC-M) Project.
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Under the agreement, commencing in late November, both companies will develop Defence shipbuilding capability in Western Australia to deliver the LC-M craft, jointly develop a costed proposal for the LC-M Project and explore potential Defence shipbuilding opportunities.
Last month, the federal government announced a Heads of Agreement to establish a Strategic Shipbuilding Agreement between Austal and the Commonwealth. Austal was named as the preferred vessel constructor, while Birdon was selected as the preferred designer for the LC-M Project.
“Austal has a very good track record of working effectively with third-party vessel designers, and we look forward to working with Birdon to develop the MOU into a more substantive partnership so that we can deliver a capable and cost-effective LC-M program for the Army,” according to Austal Limited chief executive officer Paddy Gregg.
Birdon chief executive officer Jamie Bruce said the memorandum of understanding signalled the intent of both companies to form a collaborative relationship for the design and build of LC-Ms.
“We are pleased that our LC-M design, which exceeds requirements and will deliver beyond any other vessel currently in-service or advertised globally, was the design preferred by the Commonwealth,” he said.
“We look forward to teaming with Austal to bring the design to life.”
In September this year, Austal USA was announced as the builder for three Landing Craft Utility 1700 Class craft for the US Navy under a $143.4 million contract.
The contract follows a previous agreement for the detailed design of the steel hull LCU 1700 Class vessels and includes options for the manufacture of an additional nine vessels and associated support arrangements.
The 170-tonne payload capacity, 13-crew craft are expected to be deployed with the Navy’s amphibious assault ships to support the delivery of troops, cargo, and tracked and wheeled vehicles between ship and shore. Each transport has a top speed of 11 knots and transits a range of 1,200 nautical miles.
The independent open ocean craft has a roll-on and off monohull design with hydraulically controlled bow and stern ramps and has the capability to connect and form a causeway for fast and secure unloading or loading. The majority of work for the US Navy is expected to be performed in Mobile, Alabama and is expected to be completed by July 2026.
