The federal government has announced the construction of new naval maintenance infrastructure south of Perth to support the Arafura class patrol boats (pictured) now under construction. Lendlease Building Contractors has been awarded a $365 million managing contract for the first tranche of works at HMAS Stirling and the Australian Maritime Complex. Lendlease has committed to…
An audit of major defence projects and their use of Australian suppliers is possible, according to a report today. The Australian Financial Review cites unnamed sources, including in the defence industry, and reports that prime minister Scott Morrison has made “pointed remarks” to Defence department officials about keeping foreign-owned primes to their local content…
Shares of Perth global shipbuilder Austal (ASX: ASB) were today put into a trading halt that could last until Friday. The company did not reveal why trading was suspended, however speculation is that it is related to an imminent decision by federal cabinet. The Australian reported that Cabinet was to announce the winner of a…
Australia’s defence ministers have confirmed construction is on schedule at the Osborne Naval Precinct in Adelaide for a 2020 completion of the government’s major shipbuilding infrastructure investments. Canberra is spending $535 million at Osborne preparing the site, which built the Collins Class submarines, to construct Australia’s new Hunter class frigates. Defence minister Linda Reynolds and…
The federal government’s naval shipbuilding plans are ramping up with progress building massive new facilities in Adelaide, and the laying down of the keel of the first Arafura class offshore patrol vessel (OPV). Defence announced more than 50 tonnes of Australian steel has been assembled at Osborne Naval Shipyard in Adelaide marking the official completion…
Courses at TAFE Queensland have been endorsed by the Naval Shipbuilding College which is developing a national approach to developing skills for this growing industry. So far, TAFE Queensland and TAFE SA have endorsed programmes of study. The college’s David Whetstone said: ““TAFE SA and TAFE Queensland were the first providers in the nation to…
Work has begun at Osborne in Adelaide to construct the first of 12 new offshore patrol vessels for the Royal Australian Navy, Defence minister, Christopher Pyne said today. Government owned ASC is utilising steel cut in Perth for the vessels which are to be named the Arafura class after its first ship, HMAS Arafura. “The…
