Austal has announced it will deliver the mid-life remediation program to the Royal Australian Navy’s Armidale-class patrol boats.
The company will undertake a number of hull remediation and configuration changes as well as planned and corrective maintenance work on up to seven boats at its Henderson, WA shipyard commencing this month.
Austal faced off domestic and international bids for the work, which will provide, according to the company's statement, immediate, ongoing work for over 120 Austal employees. The contract will provide continuity of work between the completion of two Cape-class Patrol Boats for the RAN and a major export contract for Danish ferry operator Mols Linien, commencing April 2017.
“As the original designer and builder of the Armidale-class, Austal is in an ideal position to deliver this important, mid-life enhancement work to a proven naval platform," Austal CEO David Singleton said. "Our inherent knowledge base and practical experience building and servicing the hard working Armidale fleet will ensure the vessels depart Austal in 2017 as a fully operational and effective capability.”
“This order is indeed timely for Austal and ensures that key skills in naval shipbuilding and repair are maintained in Henderson during the lead up to the placement of the Offshore Patrol Vessel contract.
Back in 2014, the DMO (now CASG) voiced concerns about the then maintenance support contractor's ability to adequately maintain the vessels.