Defence Issues Minister Paul Papalia has welcomed the Federal Government’s announcement that 10 of 12 Offshore Patrol Vessels to be built for the Royal Australian Navy will be constructed in Henderson, south of Perth.
The Federal Government has confirmed that both Civmec and Austal will share building work for the vessels in Western Australia, using designs by German shipbuilder Lürssen.
The first two vessels will be built in Adelaide, with construction to start in the second half of 2018.
In 2020, construction will move to WA where the remaining 10 vessels will be constructed.
The project is expected to create up to 400 direct jobs, and 600 indirect positions.
The Offshore Patrol Vessel program is a key part of the Australian Defence Force’s continuous naval shipbuilding program.