Premier Mark McGowan met with world-leading shipbuilder Lürssen in Bremen, Germany to discuss future local job creation potential for Western Australia.
In November 2017, the Commonwealth Government selected Lürssen as the international design partner for the $3.5 billion Offshore Patrol Vessel Program, which will see the replacement of the fleet of Patrol Boats currently in service for the Royal Australian Navy.
The first two Offshore Patrol Vessels will be constructed in Adelaide commencing this year, with the build to transition to Western Australia in 2020. Forgacs Marine and Defence (a subsidiary of Civmec) and Austal will build 10 of these vessels, which will see up to 400 jobs created for Western Australians.
Lürssen’s first Australian office was established in Henderson last year.
In meeting with Lürssen, the Premier discussed the Offshore Patrol Vessel Program, supply chain requirements and Western Australia’s potential as a base for exports into the Asia-Pacific region.