Austal Launches 72m High Speed Support Vessel

Austal (ASX:ASB) has launched the first of two 72m High Speed Support Vessels (HSSV’s) being built for the Royal Navy of Oman (RNO), yesterday.

Hull 390 High Speed Support Vessel

Hull 390 - the future RNOV Al Mubshir - was successfully launched after 13 months of construction and fitout at the company’s Henderson, Western Australia shipyard.

Austal Chief Executive Officer Andrew Bellamy said the on-schedule launching of the first HSSV demonstrates Austal’s proven capability to design, construct (and support) large, multiple naval vessel programs; locally, globally, successfully.

Hull 390 High Speed Support Vessel

Mr Bellamy commented “From our defence portfolio, Austal is currently contracted to deliver ten 127m Frigate-sized Littoral Combat Ships and ten 103m Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF) vessels to the United States Navy – as well as two OPV-sized 72m High Speed Support Vessels, here in Western Australia for the Royal Navy of Oman.”

“Our track record here in Australia and overseas clearly supports Austal’s strong proposition that we can effectively and efficiently deliver the Australian Government’s Future Frigate and Offshore Patrol Vessel programs,” Mr Bellamy added.

Hull 390 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.

This first HSSV will now complete final fitout before sea trials, prior to delivery to the RNO early in 2016. The second HSSV is under construction and is on schedule for completion in mid 2016.

Hull 390 High Speed Support Vessel

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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.