Luerssen Australia, A major boost for Australian shipbuilding
One of the world’s leading shipbuilders, Luerssen, has unveiled plans to establish its Australian office in the Australian Marine Complex in Henderson WA to service the growing Asia-Pacific market.
In a major boost for Australian manufacturing, the more than 140-year-old German company will team up with Henderson-based Forgacs (Civmec) and ASC to establish an Australian naval shipbuilding capability.
Using the world’s most advanced shipbuilding technology, Luerssen has built over 550 high-quality naval vessels for the German Navy and many other customers worldwide, including in the Asia-Pacific.
Chief executive and fourth-generation family member Peter Luerssen said Australia had the potential to become a world force in shipbuilding, supplying high quality vessels to both the domestic and regional market.
“With our partners Luerssen Australia will develop a regional export hub to capture the significant opportunities that are emerging in Asia-Pacific,” Mr Luerssen said.
“We have every expectation that Luerssen Australia will forge a new Australian naval shipbuilding capability, supplying Australian-made ships backed by more than 140 years of German engineering experience.”
The official announcement of Luerssen Australia’s new office will be made at a function to be attended by Western Australian Premier Mark McGowan, Senator Chris Back representing Minister for Defence Industry Hon Christopher Pyne and leading members of the Perth business community.
Luerssen is one of three shortlisted bidders for the Royal Australian Navy’s SEA1180 Phase 1 Offshore Patrol Vessel Project.
Mr Luerssen said the partnership with ASC and Forgacs (Civmec) would provide a boost for Australian suppliers, particularly small-and medium-sized enterprises who will have unprecedented opportunities to tap into a genuinely international supply chain.
“We will be working with our partners ASC and Forgacs (Civmec) to establish this Australian shipbuilding and ship design capability,” Mr Luerssen said.
The German shipbuilder is particularly excited to be partnering with Henderson-based Civmec, which is investing more than $80 million to extend its Henderson manufacturing facility which once completed will be an 18-storey building with a gross floor area of 53,000 square metres. The undercover facility will big enough to house air warfare destroyers, frigates and OPVs.
“ASC and Forgacs have incredible shipbuilding pedigree. Forgacs parent Civmec handles some of the world’s most complex manufacturing projects,” Mr Luerssen said.
Luerssen will have its office in the Australian Marine Complex Technology Precinct next to the Jackovich Centre in Henderson.
