Austal

Austal was founded in 1988 by John Rothwell.[https://web.archive.org/web/20240402214310/https://www.afr.com/street-talk/austal-s-long-serving-chairman-weighs-retirement-as-bids-land-20240402-p5fgtw Austal’s long-serving chairman weighs retirement as bids land] Australian Financial Review 3 April 2024 In December 1998, it was listed on the Australian Securities Exchange.[https://www.asx.com.au/asx/v2/statistics/displayAnnouncement.do?display=text&issuerId=3968&announcementId=365963&documentDate=1998-12-04&documentNumber=155628 Admission to Official List] Australian Securities Exchange 4 December 1998[https://www.afr.com/companies/smoother-seas-20041104-ka92k Smoother seas] Australian Financial Review 4 November 2004

In May 1999, Oceanfast was purchased.[https://www.asx.com.au/asx/v2/statistics/displayAnnouncement.do?display=text&issuerId=3968&announcementId=283257&documentDate=1999-05-31&documentNumber=162388 Austal Limited formally acquires Oceanfast Shipbuilding operations] Austral 31 May 1999[https://web.archive.org/web/20240608010411/https://www.yumpu.com/en/document/read/50018556/issue-2-1999-austal-ships Oceanfast joins the Austal Group] Austal Group News issue 2 1999 page 1 In December 1999, Austal USA was formed in a joint venture with Bender Shipbuilding & Repair of Mobile, Alabama.[http://web.archive.org/web/20200501102143/https://www.asx.com.au/asx/statistics/displayAnnouncement.do?display=text&issuerId=3968&announcementId=318585&documentDate=1999-12-21&documentNumber=171807 US Joint Venture] Austal 21 December 1999 In September 2006, it purchased Bender's shareholding in Austal USA.[http://web.archive.org/web/20200501114245/https://www.asx.com.au/asxpdf/20060918/pdf/3yjdzh4pd77pc.pdf Austal Acquires Minority Interest] Austral 18 September 2006

In February 2007, North West Bay Shipping shipyard in Margate, Tasmania was purchased.[http://web.archive.org/web/20200501114722/https://www.asx.com.au/asxpdf/20070226/pdf/3114nh5pg7jcpv.pdf Austal Purchases Shipyard Facilities] Austal 26 February 2007 It was closed in August 2010.[https://www.asx.com.au/asxpdf/20100512/pdf/31q98cz3kj6qvr.pdf Rationalisation of Australian Operations] Austal 12 May 2010[https://www.abc.net.au/news/2010-08-09/end-of-an-era-for-tasmanian-shipyard/937720 End of an era for Tasmanian shipbuilding] ABC News 9 August 2010 In November 2011, a shipyard in Balamban, Philippines was purchased.[http://web.archive.org/web/20200501121520/https://www.asx.com.au/asxpdf/20111107/pdf/422bvq442751fj.pdf Austal Makes Strategic Asian Shipyard Acquisition] Austal 5 November 2011

{{sectstub|date=April 2023}}

{{main|Independence class littoral combat ship}}

File:USS Independence LCS-2 at pierce (cropped).jpg]]

In October 2005, Austal / General Dynamics was awarded a contract to build the first unit from its design for a Littoral Combat Ship. The keel of {{USS|Independence|LCS-2|6}} was laid down on 19 January 2006 at Austal USA's Mobile, Alabama shipyard, with the naming ceremony held in October 2008.{{Cite journal|title=Navy Christens Littoral Combat Ship Independence|url=http://www.defenselink.mil/releases/release.aspx?releaseid=12255|date=10 January 2008| publisher=U.S. Department of Defense}} It is now operating with the fleet at its current location in Norfolk, Virginia.{{Clarify timeframe|date=May 2017}}{{Cite web|url=http://bymnews.com/news/newsDetails.php?id=79424|title=BYM Marine & Maritime Defence News}}

LCS-2 was the first ship built by Austal USA for the US Navy and the Navy's first trimaran Littoral Combat Ship. It is the first naval warship constructed in Mobile, Alabama since World War II. The basis of Austal's seaframe design was the {{convert|127|m|ft|adj=on}} trimaran hull {{ship|HSC|Benchijigua Express}}.

The second Austal/General Dynamics ship, LCS-4, was cancelled in November 2007.{{cite press release|title=U.S.Navy Press Release No. 1269-07|date=1 November 2007|url=http://www.defenselink.mil/releases/release.aspx?releaseid=11449|access-date=1 November 2007| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20071104071146/http://www.defenselink.mil/releases/release.aspx?releaseid=11449| archive-date= 4 November 2007 |url-status = live}}

In May 2009, the US Navy renewed the contract with Austal/General Dynamics to build the second LCS, {{USS|Coronado|LCS-4|6}}, with delivery scheduled for May 2012.{{cite web|url=http://blog.al.com/press-register-business/2009/05/austal_to_build_second_lcs.html|title=Navy orders second LCS from Austal|date=2 May 2009}}

File:HSWHighSpeed5.jpg in the port of Ios]]

In December 2010 the US Navy announced a new contract with Austal USA after Austal severed ties with General Dynamics Bath Iron Works. New contracts for Littoral Combat Ships were awarded to both Austal USA and Lockheed Martin.{{Cite web|url=http://www.defensedaily.com/publications/dd/Austal-USA-General-Dynamics-Bath-Iron-Works-Dissolve-LCS-Partnership_9560.html|title = Austal USA, General Dynamics Bath Iron Works Dissolve LCS Partnership|date = 8 March 2010}} The contract called for one ship to be built beginning in 2010 ({{USS|Jackson|LCS-6|6}}), one to be built in 2011 ({{USS|Montgomery|LCS-8|6}}), and two per year from 2012 to 2015. The LCS-6 contract was for US$432 million, with a goal of having the average ship cost US$352 million each. Another US$20 million was figured in for change orders, and a management reserve.[http://defensenews.com/story.php?i=5339223&c=AME&s=SEA Defense News]{{dead link|date=August 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}

{{main|Spearhead-class expeditionary fast transport}}

In November 2008, Austal was awarded a contract to design and build the US military's next-generation, high-speed catamaran, the Spearhead-class Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF), which was formerly called the Joint High Speed Vessel (JHSV). The contract was part of a larger programme potentially worth over US$1.6 billion.

As the prime contractor, Austal was to design and construct the first {{convert|103|m|ft|adj=on}} EPF, with options for nine additional vessels expected to be exercised between 2009 and 2013. Construction on the second ship started in September 2010. By the end of 2010, Austal had contracts for three ships, long-lead material contracts for two ships and options for five further ships, for a total of ten.[http://blog.al.com/live/2010/09/austal_starts_work_on_2nd_high.html Austal starts work on 2nd high-speed military transport ship]

The EPF is similar to the Austal-built {{MV|Westpac Express|HSV-4676|6}}, which the US Marines had used since 2002.

The EPF can carry {{convert|635|t|ST|abbr=off|lk=on}}, {{convert|1200|nmi|km mi}} at an average speed of {{convert|35|kn|km/h mph}} and is able to unload at roll-on/roll-off discharge facilities. The vessels are {{convert|103|m|ft|abbr=on}} long, have a {{convert|28.5|m|ft|abbr=on}} beam with a crew of 22 to 40.[http://peoships.crane.navy.mil/FAQ_JHSV_vs_LCS.htm JHSV vs. LCS]{{dead link|date=April 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}

The first four vessels were named {{USNS|Spearhead|JHSV-1|6}}, {{USNS|Choctaw County|JHSV-2|6}}, {{USNS|Millinocket|JHSV-3|6}} and {{USNS|Fall River|JHSV-4|6}}.[https://archive.today/20120805084024/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=56163 Construction Commences on First Navy Joint High Speed Vessel]{{Cite press release |url=http://www.austal.com/en/media/media-releases/11-11-08/Austal-Celebrates-Keel-Laying-for-JHSV2---the-Choctaw-County.aspx |title=Austal Celebrates Keel Laying for JHSV2 – the "Choctaw County" |date=8 November 2011 |publisher=Austal |access-date=11 November 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120403145507/http://www.austal.com/en/media/media-releases/11-11-08/Austal-Celebrates-Keel-Laying-for-JHSV2---the-Choctaw-County.aspx |archive-date=3 April 2012 |url-status = dead}}

While the EPF can carry 300 Marines and their gear for up to four days, it is not expected to be survivable against enemy attack.[http://www.upi.com/Business_News/Security-Industry/2010/02/04/Austal-to-build-JHSVs-for-US-Navy/UPI-98501265322743/ Austal to build JHSVs for U.S. Navy]

In 2011, US Navy planners envisioned building up to two dozen of the EPF ships into the 2020s.Cavas, Christopher P. [http://webarchive.loc.gov/all/20180228040413/https://www.defensenews.com/story.php?i%3D6817725%26c%3DSEA%26s%3DTOP "JHSV Module Damaged at Ala. Shipyard."] Defense News, 14 June 2011

{{Main|Cape-class patrol boat}}

File:ADV Cape Otway & HMPNGS Francis Agwi at Austal shipyards in Henderson, Western Australia, October 2021 02.jpg

In August 2011, Austal was awarded the contract for the design, construction and through-life support of the {{sclass2|Cape|patrol boat|1}}s for the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service. The eight, {{convert|58|m|ft|adj=on}} aluminium monohulls were delivered between March 2013 and August 2015.{{Citation needed|date=May 2017}}

In December 2015, Austal entered into a shipbuilding contract with the National Australia Bank to construct two further Cape-class patrol boats. The contract value is A$63 million. The two vessels will be delivered to the National Australia Bank in mid-2017 and chartered to the Australian Government for a minimum term of three years. Austal did a similar off-balance-sheet charter with Westpac Express, which was chartered to the US Navy for 13 years.{{cite press release|url= http://www.austal.com/news/expansion-cape-class-program|title=Expansion of Cape Class Program|publisher=Austal|date=13 December 2015|access-date=15 December 2015}}

In July 2018, the government of Trinidad and Tobago announced the acquisition of two Cape-class patrol boats. The vessels will enhance the border protection capabilities of the country in conjunction with the existing Coast Guard fleet, and will join six Austal Fast Patrol Craft acquired in 2009.{{Cite news|url=https://www.austal.com/news/government-trinidad-tobago-announces-future-acquisition-two-austal-cape-class-patrol-boats|title=GOVERNMENT OF TRINIDAD & TOBAGO ANNOUNCES FUTURE ACQUISITION OF TWO AUSTAL CAPE CLASS PATROL BOATS|date=2018-07-29|work=Austal: Corporate|access-date=2018-07-31|language=en}}

In May 2020, six Evolved Cape-class patrol boats were ordered for the Royal Australian Navy. In 2022, a second order for an additional two vessels was made, and in 2023 a third order for a further two boats.{{Cite web|title=Navy to get new patrol boats to boost capability|url=https://www.defenceconnect.com.au/key-enablers/6023-navy-to-get-new-patrol-boats-to-boost-capability|last=Nicholson|first=Dylan|date=2020-04-30|website=defenceconnect.com.au|language=en|access-date=2020-05-02}}{{Cite web|title=New patrol boats to boost Navy capability|url=https://www.minister.defence.gov.au/minister/melissa-price/media-releases/new-patrol-boats-boost-navy-capability|last=Defence|first=Department of|date=2020-04-30|website=minister.defence.gov.au|language=en|access-date=2020-05-01}}[https://web.archive.org/web/20200502105415/https://www.asx.com.au/asxpdf/20200501/pdf/44hgqm5th90y1j.pdf Austal Australia Awarded $324 Million Contract to build Six Cape-Class Patrol Boats] Austal 1 May 2020[https://web.archive.org/web/20200501125338/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-05-01/shipbuilder-recieves-350-million-to-construct-navy-patrol-boats/12204238 Shipbuilder receives $350 million lifeline to construct six new patrol boats during Covid-19] ABC News 1 May 2020

{{main|Armidale class patrol boat}}

File:HMAS Armidale Darling Harbour.jpg]]

Between June 2005 and February 2008, Austal delivered fourteen, {{convert|56.8|m|ft|abbr=on}} Armidale-class patrol boats to the Royal Australian Navy for coastal defence. The boats were featured on the TV series Sea Patrol.{{Citation needed|date=May 2017}}

{{Main|P21-class inshore patrol vessel}}

File:Armed Forces of Malta Inshore Patrol Craft, P24 - Flickr - sludgegulper.jpg]]

In 2009, the Maritime Squadron of the Armed Forces of Malta ordered four patrol boats from Austal.{{cite press release| url=http://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2009/fa-s023_09.html| title= Visit to Australia by Republic of Malta Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs The Hon Dr Tonio Borg| publisher=Australian Government - Department of Foreign Affairs| access-date=17 April 2009}} They were due to replace the Swift-class patrol boats P23 and P24 which had been in commission since 1971 and the Bremse-class patrol boat P32 which had been in commission since 1992. The new vessels were built to Maltese specifications and were partly financed by the European Union.{{cite press release| url=http://www.austal.com/en/media/media-releases/09-07-03/Excellent-Relationship-Sees-Rapid-Patrol-Boat-Construction.aspx| title="Excellent Relationship" Sees Rapid Patrol Boat Construction| publisher=Austal| date=3 July 2009| access-date=15 October 2009| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140903080954/http://www.austal.com/en/media/media-releases/09-07-03/Excellent-Relationship-Sees-Rapid-Patrol-Boat-Construction.aspx| archive-date=3 September 2014|url-status = dead}}

The first two vessels were launched in October 2009.{{cite news| url=http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20091006/local/new-afm-patrol-boats-launched| title=New AFM patrol boats launched| newspaper=Times of Malta| date=6 October 2009| access-date=15 October 2009}}{{cite press release| url=http://www.austal.com/en/media/media-releases/09-10-06/Austal-Launches-Maltese-Patrol-Boats.aspx| title=Austal Launches Maltese Patrol Boats| publisher=Austal| date=6 October 2009| access-date=15 October 2009| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140903080950/http://www.austal.com/en/media/media-releases/09-10-06/Austal-Launches-Maltese-Patrol-Boats.aspx| archive-date=3 September 2014|url-status = dead}} All four vessels were delivered to Malta in late 2009, and commissioned in March 2010.{{cite news|title=Patrol boats to be commissioned on Thursday|url=http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20100316/local/patrol-boats-to-be-commissioned-on-thursday.298505|access-date=29 August 2014|work=Times of Malta|date=16 March 2010}}

File:US Navy 071002-N-5459S-113 Sailors assigned to guided-missile destroyer USS Bainbridge (DDG 96) consult with members of the Yemeni Coast Guard during their search and rescue operation for survivors off the coast of the Yemeni i.jpg

In 2005, Austal delivered ten high-speed patrol boats to the Yemeni Navy, which are commercially hired out to protect private shippers.{{Cite web |url=http://www.austal.com/index.cfm?objectid=4A4CDDF3-A0CC-3C8C-D95BED022AFE79B9 |title="Austal to Build 10 Naval Patrol Boats for Yemen." |access-date=17 November 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101120144642/http://austal.com/index.cfm?objectid=4A4CDDF3-A0CC-3C8C-D95BED022AFE79B9 |archive-date=20 November 2010 |url-status = dead}}Knickmeyer, Ellen. [https://foreignpolicy.com/articles/2010/11/16/the_privateers_of_yemen "The Privateers of Yemen."] Foreign Policy Magazine, 17 November 2010

In early 2014, Austal announced it had been awarded a US$124.9 million contract for two High Speed Support Vessels (HSSV) for the Royal Navy of Oman. Both were delivered to the Omani Navy by late 2016.[http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1889 Austal contract for two 72m High Speed Support Vessels is for the Royal Navy of Oman] - Navyrecognition.com, 10 July 2014{{cite web|title=Oman receives second HSSV as Austal targets UAE|url=http://www.janes.com/article/63561/oman-receives-second-hssv-as-austal-targets-uae|publisher=Jane's 360|access-date=9 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160911073321/http://www.janes.com/article/63561/oman-receives-second-hssv-as-austal-targets-uae|archive-date=11 September 2016|date=9 September 2016|quote=The Royal Navy of Oman has received the second High Speed Support Vessel (HSSV) from Australian shipbuilder Austal.}} The HSSV has a catamaran hull design similar to the US Navy's Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF).

File:20090203-NWFF NF83.jpg in Hong Kong and Macau]]

File:Villum Clausen 3, Ystad.jpg on the Danish island of Bornholm.]]

Austal is one of only two companies building fast multi-hull ferries between {{convert|60|and|120|m|ft|abbr=on}} long. In the early 1990s, the ferry industry was transformed with the introduction of large, high-speed catamarans with decks for vehicles. They quickly replaced most hydrofoil and hovercraft services as well as many monohull ferries. The popularity of the new type of multi-hull design led to many shipyards worldwide changing their production to build fast aluminium catamarans.

Eventually capacity exceeded demand and by the end of the 20th century most builders of large fast cats had ceased production. Austal and its only competitor in this category, Hobart-based Incat survived the late 1990s industry collapse. The two companies continue to compete for orders of large multi-hull ferries of up to 11,000 gross tons with capacities of over 1,200 passengers and 400 vehicles.

On 20 August 2014, Austal announced the sale of Austal Hull 270, the company's {{convert|102|m|ft|adj=on}} trimaran stock vessel, to the UK Channel Islands' ferry operator, Condor Ferries, for A$61.5 million. It was renamed {{ship|HSC|Condor Liberation}}. Modifications to the stock vessel were valued at approximately A$6 million, and was scheduled to enter service in Spring 2015. On 28 March 2015, the ship struck the quayside while attempting to dock in Guernsey on its second day in service. The damage was only minor and above the waterline. Since then, Condor Liberation has had a difficult period of operation with Condor Ferries, encountering numerous technical problems, weather cancellations and sustaining further damage to its hull whilst docked in Poole on 30 December 2015.{{cite press release |url= http://www.austal.com/us/media/media-releases/14-08-20/Sale-of-Stock-Boat-and-Customisation-Contract-Award.aspx |title= Sale of Stock Boat "Austal Hull 270", and Customisation Contract Award |access-date= 24 August 2014 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140826160704/http://www.austal.com/us/media/media-releases/14-08-20/Sale-of-Stock-Boat-and-Customisation-Contract-Award.aspx |archive-date= 26 August 2014 |url-status = dead}}

In November 2023, defence companies Austal and Birdon announced that they would be building landing craft. They would be built at the Henderson Shipyard in WA.{{cite web | url=https://www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/birdon-selected-as-designer-for-landing-craft-medium-capability | title=Birdon selected as designer for Landing Craft Medium Capability - Australian Defence Magazine }}

• Alakai & Huakai (Former Hawaii Superferry vessels, sold to the US Navy)
• Cotai Jet
• TurboJET
• Chu Kong Passenger Transport
• Pacific-class patrol boat

{{reflist|30em}}

{{Commons category|Austal}}

• [http://www.austal.com Austal official website]

Category:Shipbuilding companies of Australia

Category:Defence companies of Australia

Category:Companies established in 1988

Category:Manufacturing companies based in Perth, Western Australia

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