Australian industry is continuing to reap the benefits of the government’s unprecedented investment in new infrastructure and shipbuilding activities which is creating thousands of Australian jobs. Through the government’s up to A$183 billion Naval Shipbuilding Plan, Henderson shipyard in Western Australia is becoming a sovereign capability powerhouse.
Under project SEA 1905 Phase 1, Defence has made a down-select decision to explore a variant of the offshore patrol vessels for the new Mine Countermeasures and Survey Vessels under project SEA 1905 Phase 1. This will support the construction of new vessels which will be built at the Henderson precinct, supporting local jobs in Western Australia.
During a visit to the Henderson precinct, Minister for Defence Linda Reynolds commended the progress being made. “Following the election commitment made by the federal government in 2019, we are bringing forward the replacement of the Huon-class vessel from the 2030’s to the mid 2020’s. We are also committed to constructing a new hydrographic capability,” Reynolds said. “These vessels will help Navy navigate more confidently throughout the region, and safely clear minefields with the use of autonomous technologies.”
Defence has released an Invitation to Register and Request for Information on Austender for various components of the mission management system, the integration of the system, and the construction of a toolbox of Robotic and Autonomous Systems that the new vessels will require. “This is all part of the (government’s) unprecedented investment in a National Naval Shipbuilding Enterprise, with Henderson being one of the two major shipbuilding hubs in Australia, along with Osborne in South Australia,” Reynolds said.
“Today, around half of Australia’s surface combatant fleet and all six Collins Class submarines are home ported in WA,” Minister said. “With plans highlighted in the 2020 Force Structure Plan to build two multi-role sealift and replenishment ships, a Pacific Support Vessel, and an ice-rated replacement for Ocean Protector in Australia, additional major docking facilities will be required in the near future to supplement the capability of the Captain Cook Graving Dock in Sydney. The construction of such a facility would be an enormous boost to our sovereign shipbuilding and sustainment industry, and the West Australian government’s forward leaning approach and commitment to this work is crucial to Defence. I have witnessed first-hand the hive of activity at Henderson that demonstrates the Morrison Government’s determination and commitment to creating a sovereign industrial shipbuilding capability. With more than 1,300 naval shipbuilding and sustainment personnel employed in WA under the coalition government, this is good news for business and the economy, especially as the economy recovers from COVID-19. As part of this government’s Naval Shipbuilding Plan, A$75 billion will be spent on Australia’s maritime capabilities over the next decade alone. This will play a crucial role in supporting Australia’s economy and jobs growth.”
For Editorial Inquiries Contact:
Editor Kym Bergmann at kym.bergmann@venturamedia.net
For Advertising Inquiries Contact:
Director of Sales Graham Joss at graham.joss@venturamedia.net
