Project Sea 1180 (Offshore Patrol Vessels) Requests for Tender (RFTs) have been released to the three shortlisted designers.
Minister for Defence Industry Christopher Pyne said the Request for Tender will see Damen, Fassmer and Luerssen team up with Australian shipbuilders, ensuring opportunities for local industry participation were maximised.
The Request for Tender will require each tenderer to develop an Australian Industry Capability Plan around a local build and the use of Australian steel, according to Minister Pyne.
“This includes how they will transition their existing supply chains to Australian supply chains and how they will integrate local suppliers in their global supply chains.
The Minister for Defence Marise Payne said the project is on track with construction starting in Adelaide in 2018 before moving to Western Australia in 2020.
Damen's OPV 2600 design for Sea 1180. Credit: Damen