Austal Limited (ASX: ASB) welcomes the announcement by the Australian and Western Australian Governments confirming the site for the Henderson Defence Precinct at the Australian Marine Complex Common User Facility, describing it as a significant milestone in the establishment of a world-class, sovereign naval shipbuilding and sustainment hub in Western Australia.
As the Commonwealth’s Strategic Shipbuilder in Western Australia, Austal Defence Australia is working in partnership with Defence to establish continuous naval shipbuilding at Henderson and develop the sovereign industrial capability, workforce and supply chain required to support increasingly complex Defence shipbuilding programs.
Austal Limited Chief Executive Officer Paddy Gregg said confirmation of the Defence Precinct site provides greater certainty for Government and industry to progress the long-term development of Henderson.
“This announcement is another significant step towards realising the Commonwealth’s vision for continuous naval shipbuilding and sustainment in Western Australia,” Mr Gregg said.
“The Henderson Defence Precinct represents a generational investment in Australia’s sovereign maritime capability and provides the long-term certainty needed for industry to invest in the people, skills, technology, infrastructure and supply chains required to deliver that capability." Paddy Gregg, Austal CEO
“As the Commonwealth’s Strategic Shipbuilder in Western Australia, Austal Defence Australia is well advanced in preparations for the Australian Army’s Landing Craft Medium and Landing Craft Heavy programs, with construction commencing soon at Henderson.
“These programs provide the foundation for continuous naval shipbuilding at Henderson, growing the workforce, capability and supply chain needed to deliver increasingly large and complex vessels, such as the Mogami-class frigates for the Royal Australian Navy, in Western Australia.
“The development of the Henderson Defence Precinct will enable that capability to grow significantly, supporting the delivery of critical maritime capabilities for the Australian Defence Force and reinforcing Western Australia’s position as a leading centre for advanced naval shipbuilding and sustainment.
“Austal looks forward to continuing to work closely with the Australian and Western Australian Governments, Defence, our industry partners and the broader Australian supply chain as the Henderson Defence Precinct moves into its next phase of development.”
Following the announcement, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence the Hon Richard Marles MP and Senator for Western Australia Ellie Whittaker visited Austal’s Henderson shipyard.
During the visit, the Deputy Prime Minister and Senator Whittaker met with Austal production team members and saw first-hand the people, skills and capabilities that are delivering six Evolved Cape-Class Patrol Boats for the Australian Border Force and will support the construction of the Landing Craft Medium and Heavy programs for the Australian Army.
The Landing Craft Medium program comprises 18 vessels designed by Austal, while the Landing Craft Heavy program comprises eight 100-metre vessels based on Damen’s LST100 design.
Together, these programs provide a significant long-term pipeline of shipbuilding work at Henderson and are driving growth and development across Austal’s workforce, facilities, and proven Australian supply chain.
Read more information on the Strategic Shipbuilding Agreement and Landing Craft programs HERE