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Defence shipbuilder Austal has announced the launch of a final Guardian Class patrol boat constructed under the Pacific Patrol Boat Replacement Project.
The Final Guardian Class patrol boat (Hull 544), produced under the Defence Australia project, was successfully launched earlier this week, according to the company.
“The launch marks a significant milestone in the 24-vessel program that began in May 2017 with the plate cutting on the first Guardian, HMPNGS Ted Diro, and has seen 22 vessels delivered to date, to support maritime security across the Pacific,” according to a public statement from Austal.
“Every Guardian Class patrol boat constructed by Austal here in Henderson, Western Australia, reflects the skill, dedication and resilience of our team and our supply chain and industry partners.
“Through challenges and change, we have worked collaboratively to refine processes, strengthen capability and establish a highly efficient steel shipbuilding production line.
“To everyone who has contributed along the way, thank you.”
Late last year, the shipbuilder announced the award of a $1.03 billion contract to design and build Landing Craft Medium (LCM) vessels under the Strategic Shipbuilding Agreement signed with the Commonwealth of Australia.
Under that LCM design and build tasking statement contract, Austal subsidiary Austal Defence Shipbuilding Australia was appointed to complete detailed design and build 18 Landing Craft Medium vessels at Austal’s Henderson Shipyard in Western Australia.
Construction of the first LCM is scheduled to commence in 2026, with the 18th and final vessel scheduled for delivery in 2032.
The LCM, being built for the Australian Army, will be manufactured in steel and capable of projecting loads up to 80 tonnes.
Austal chief executive officer Paddy Gregg said the first design and build contract awarded under the SSA was a significant milestone for Austal Defence Australia, as the Commonwealth’s strategic shipbuilder in Western Australia.
“This Landing Craft Medium design and build contract awarded to Austal Defence Australia is the first vessel construction program in the government’s commitment to delivering continuous naval shipbuilding at Henderson, Western Australia, enlivening decades of opportunity for individuals and businesses to engage, collaborate and invest in defence programs,” Gregg said.
“With these 18 Landing Craft Medium and any further vessels planned as part of the Strategic Shipbuilding pilot program, we are developing the shipbuilding capability to build larger, more complex vessels in Henderson into the future and delivering sovereign shipbuilding capability for Australia.”
Austal Defence Australia executive general manager – strategic shipbuilding, Gavin Stewart, said local industry was ready to deliver for the Australian Army.
“The Austal Defence Australia team and our industry and supply chain partners in the Henderson Defence Precinct, across Western Australia and around the nation, are ready to deliver this important new amphibious capability for the Australian Army,” he said.
