Ramona Adams
The Australian government has selected Germany-based shipbuilding company Lurssen as the prime contractor on a potential $3 billion contract to design and build up to 12 offshore patrol vessels.
Australia’s defense department said Friday the OPV construction project will be performed by Australian workers in the country’s shipyards using locally-sourced steel.
The first two vessels will be built at ASC Shipbuilding‘s Adelaide, South Australia, facility and production of the first OPV will begin in the fourth quarter of 2018.
Lurssen will work with Austal and Civmec to construct 10 additional vessels under the program, subject to the completion of commercial agreements.
OPVs are designed to secure Australia’s borders and operate over greater distances than existing patrol boats.
