Perth-based ship builder Austal Ltd has confirmed that an unconditional contract has been signed with a value of approximately $78 million with the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.
Austral will supply of six, 30 metre fast patrol craft with additional contracts for a five year comprehensive scheduled maintenance package and crew training services.
Austal Executive Chairman John Rothwell said the contract added to Austal's growing list of patrol boat customers, which includes the Royal Australian Navy, the Government of Kuwait, the Yemen Ministry of Defence, the Australian Customs Service and the New South Wales Water Police.
"Fresh from handing over the last of the 14 Armidale Class Patrol Boats to the Royal Australian Navy, this contract confirms Austal's growing presence in the design and construction of modern, fast patrol craft capable of addressing unique maritime security requirements," Mr Rothwell said.
"The added provision of a comprehensive five-year maintenance package and crew training services demonstrates the global support network of the Austal Service Department, which is now a growing business unit within the Austal Group," he said.
The new vessels will support the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard in providing sustained surveillance of the country's internal waters, the archipelagic territorial sea and its exclusive economic zone.
The fleet will also target the illegal trafficking of drugs, safety at sea and will perform search and rescue duties.
