Austal, ASC team up for the Future Frigates Program

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Image credit: www.austal.com

Austal and ASC have announced a teaming agreement for the construction of the SEA5000 Future Frigates Program, a $35 billion project that includes the delivery of nine replacement vessels for the existing ANZAC fleet.

Austal CEO, David Singleton said the deal will see the two parties will pool their resources to deliver the project that is expected to secure the future of naval shipbuilding in Australia for decades to come.

“The Austal/ASC Shipbuilding teaming arrangement offers a compelling, low risk, Australian shipbuilding solution for each of the three shortlisted international designers; BAE, Fincantieri and Navantia,” Mr Singleton said.

“ASC Shipbuilding and Austal represent the success and excellence in Australia’s sovereign naval shipbuilding capability, a capability established through years of investment and experience in developing an Australian skilled workforce.”

ASC CEO, Mark Lamarre said the company had proved in recent years its ability to deliver major naval warships.

“This is a powerful partnership that not only achieves the Government’s objectives for a sovereign and sustainable shipbuilding capability in Australia, as set out in the recent Naval Shipbuilding Plan, but confirms to all those in the industry that there is a bright and successful future ahead”, Mr Lamarre said.

“Australia deserves an industry that designs, builds, upgrades, maintains and exports naval vessels in Australia, by Australians working for Australian companies that are also headquartered and have ultimate decision making authority in Australia.”

Construction of the replacement vessels is scheduled to commence from 2020 at the Federal Government-owned shipyard in Osborne, SA.

Image credit: www.austal.com