Shipbuilder Luerssen reaches 200 employee milestone

Shipbuilder Luerssen Australia has announced a milestone in its growth, with its workforce reaching the 200 employee mark.

Over the last four years the company has expanded its teams in Perth and Adelaide as it delivers twelve Arafura Class Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) for the Royal Australian Navy.

Luerssen has six vessels under construction across two sites, with the first the future HMAS Arafura (pictured) launched in December 2021 in South Australia.

Luerssen Australia Chief Executive Officer Jens Nielsen said: “This is a pivotal point for Luerssen Australia and its commitment to creating a world-class sovereign shipbuilding industry.

“It is fantastic to grow our workforce and create job opportunities for Australians.”

With the Federal Government investing billions of dollars into the Western Australian shipbuilding sector over the next decade, Luerssen sees a bright future for the industry and looks forward to playing a pivotal role in the years to come.

While Adelaide is seen as the large vessel and submarine construction site, WA is focused on smaller vessels such as patrol boats for the RAN and for overseas navies.

“Luerssen Australia is extremely grateful for its supplier partners who have created a strong collaborative environment.

“They are helping to shape the future of Australian shipbuilding and are strengthening the sovereign supply chain.”

To date, Luerssen has achieved a 63 percent Australian Industry Content on the OPV Program and aims to increase this further.

Picture: Luerssen Australia/the future HMAS Arafura