Austal Rolls Out First of Two 72m High Speed Support Vessels

Austal (ASX:ASB) has rolled out the first of two 72m High Speed Support Vessels (HSSV’s) being built for the Royal Navy of Oman (RNO), today, at the company’s Henderson Western Australia shipyard.

Rollout of 72m High Speed Support Vessel

Austal Chief Executive Officer Andrew Bellamy said the HSSV program successfully represents Austal’s capability to deliver competitive, customised defence solutions from proven designs for both domestic and export markets.

Mr Bellamy commented “the rollout of the first Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV)-sized HSSV not only extends Austal’s naval vessel portfolio but further demonstrates our consistency in delivering major, multiple naval vessel programs, on schedule”.

Rollout of 72m High Speed Support Vessel

Based on the proven Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF) platform, previously known as the Joint High Speed Vessel (JHSV), the HSSV offers a range of capabilities to support naval operations, including helicopter operations, rapid deployment of military personnel and cargo, search and rescue operations, humanitarian aid and disaster relief missions.

Austal was awarded the US$124.9 million contract for the design, construction and integrated logistics support of the two HSSV’s in March 2014 and construction commenced in August 2014.

Rollout of 72m High Speed Support Vessel

This first HSSV will be launched next week before undergoing final fitout and sea trials prior to delivery to the RNO early in 2016. The second HSSV is under construction and is on schedule for completion later in 2016.

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About Austal

Austal is a global defence prime contractor and a designer and manufacturer of defence and commercial ships. For more than 27 years Austal has been a leader in the design, construction and maintenance of revolutionary ships for Governments, Navies and Ferry operators around the world. More than 255 vessels have been delivered in that time.

Ships

Defence vessels designed and built by Austal include multi-mission combatants, such as the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) for the United States Navy and military high speed vessels for transport and humanitarian relief, such as the Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF), previously known as the Joint High Speed Vessel (JHSV), for the United States Navy and High Speed Support Vessel (HSSV) for the Royal Navy of Oman.

Austal also designs, constructs, integrates and maintains an extensive range of patrol and auxiliary vessels for government agencies globally, including the Cape Class Patrol Boat Program for Australian Border Force. Defence vessels are designed and constructed in Mobile, Alabama and in Henderson, Western Australia.

Austal has been at the forefront of the high speed ferry market since the early days of the industry. Our market leading designs of high performance aluminium vessels have long been at the heart of Austal’s research and development. Today, commercial ship construction is centred on our shipyard in Balamban, Philippines.

Systems

Austal has expertise in integrating complex systems into its ships, including ride control, ship management, and communication, sensors and weapon systems.

Support

Austal provides a wide range of support services, including through life support, integrated logistics support, vessel sustainment and systems support. These services are delivered through our global support network in the USA, Australia, Asia, the Middle East together with partner shipyards worldwide.