Australian engineering company Civmec is to acquire shipbuilder Luerssen Australia from Naval Vessels Luerssen (NVL) for A$20 million. This strategic acquisition marks a significant milestone in Civmec’s evolution as a sovereign Australian shipbuilder and will see the full ownership transfer of the Luerssen Australia business, including all assets, employees, and licences, subject to the satisfaction of conditions precedent. The parties are working towards a target completion date of 1 July 2025.
It is the intent that, following completion of the Acquisition, Luerssen Australia Pty Ltd will be renamed to ‘Civmec Defence Industries Pty Ltd (CDI)’ as a wholly owned subsidiary of Civmec Limited. By assuming full ownership of Luerssen Australia, Civmec consolidates its role in the SEA1180 Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) program, gaining direct control over program delivery, operational decision-making, and future capability development.
This acquisition enhances Civmec’s ability to deliver end-to-end naval shipbuilding solutions, from design through to commissioning, and unlocks opportunities to drive production efficiencies, accelerate delivery schedules, and secure future shipbuilding contracts. It also fast-tracks the development of Civmec’s sovereign shipbuilding capabilities by integrating Luerssen Australia’s experienced workforce, established systems, and technical know-how— enabling the Group to scale its defence operations and deliver five OPVs over the next 3.5 years.
Civmec Chairman James Fitzgerald said: “This acquisition marks a defining moment in Civmec’s evolution as a sovereign shipbuilder. By bringing Luerssen Australia into the Civmec Group, we are not only strengthening our position in the defence sector but also accelerating the development of our end-to-end shipbuilding capabilities. With a highly skilled workforce and established systems, we are well-positioned to deliver on current commitments and pursue future opportunities. Our focus now is on ensuring a seamless transition, maintaining program momentum, and building a platform for long-term growth in Australia’s naval shipbuilding industry. We are excited to have the Luerssen Australia team join CDI and are looking forward to working directly with the Commonwealth. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the Commonwealth and NVL for their trust in Civmec to deliver such a significant program of works.”
Civmec and Luerssen Australia congratulate RAN on HMAS Arafura
Civmec and Luerssen Australia congratulate the Royal Australian Navy on the commissioning of HMAS Arafura and celebrate the vital contribution of all staff and contractors in her delivery. The commissioning is a milestone in the development of Australia’s continuous naval shipbuilding enterprise and marks the first steel warship built in the Osborne Naval Shipyard since the Hobart Class Guided Missile Destroyers. It underlines the Nation’s commitment to sovereign defence capability, local industry and maritime security.
HMAS Arafura is the first of class for the Arafura Class Offshore Patrol Vessels. The cutting-edge Arafura class will contribute to the Royal Australian Navy’s ability to deliver maritime force. With a displacement of 1,640 tonnes and a length of 80 metres, these versatile vessels are equipped with advanced sensors, command and communication systems, and can support specialist mission packages. The Arafura Class will undertake constabulary missions, maritime patrol and response duties.
Construction of the Arafura Class is taking place between Osborne in South Australia and Henderson in Western Australia. HMAS Arafura and her sister ship NUSHIP Eyre were constructed in Osborne. NUSHIP Eyre is on track to be accepted by the Royal Australian Navy later this year. The OPVs Pilbara, Gippsland, Illawarra and Carpentaria are being built in Civmec’s shipyard in Henderson.
Civmec has entered into a binding agreement to acquire Luerssen Australia and, subject to meeting conditions precedent including consent from the Commonwealth, will take over responsibility for delivery of the Arafura programme on 1 July.
Malcolm Taylor, Director of Luerssen Australia, said: “The commissioning of HMAS Arafura is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and collaboration of all stakeholders involved in this complex and important project. I personally want to thank all involved in her design, build and delivery and wish the Royal Australian Navy fair winds and following seas.”
Jim Fitzgerald, Executive Chair of Civmec, said: “Civmec is honoured to be part of this national endeavour, and we look forward to supporting the Royal Australian Navy as it welcomes these world-class vessels into its fleet. Our team is committed to delivering the remaining ships to the highest standards and playing a leading role in reinforcing Australia’s sovereign shipbuilding capability.”
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The Arafura Class , what could have been . Another great design gone the way of the 1972 Light Destroyer project ,the 1990 JPV project and the Hunter Project. I can’t wait to see what they do to screw up the Sea 3000..