Austal signs $126m contract

Henderson-based shipbuilder Austal has finalised a $126 million contract to build two vessels for the government of Trinidad & Tobago by the second half of 2020.

The contract follows the announcement in July last year that Trinidad & Tobago intended to purchase two Cape class patrol boats.

These vessels are currently employed by the Royal Australian Navy and Australian Border Force, and have attracted the attention of a number of export markets.

Austal chief executive David Singleton said the contract provided an important defence export opportunity for the company and consequent workflow for its Henderson operations.

“It is important to acknowledge that the Royal Australian Navy and Australian government were instrumental in the success of this defence export program,” he said.

“The Royal Australian Navy, which operates two Cape class patrol boats, was an effective advocate of (their) capabilities, hosting a sea ride for the visiting Trinidad & Tobago chief of defence staff and engineering team to assess and experience the vessel’s capabilities.

“The whole-of-government advocacy in support of this defence export opportunity has been instrumental to its success.”

The Cape class patrol boats are specifically designed to combat the full range of maritime security threats and have been deployed in difficult maritime situations, including intercepting irregular arrivals and preventing illegal smuggling.

The 58 metre all-aluminium monohull patrol boats have a 4,000 nautical mile range and a 28-day patrol cycle with a crew of up to 22 people, and are fitted with two high-speed rigid hull inflatable boats used for intercepting other vessels.

Mr Singleton said the order from Trinidad & Tobago added to the company’s largest forward order book.

“The increasing demand in the international market for our unique vessel designs and maritime technology is a real credit to our highly skilled workforce across our operations, who continue to deliver some of the world’s most sophisticated vessels in a highly efficient and cost effective environment,” he said.

The Australian government announced in December last year that the defence export facility would be available to support the program.