Austal has laid the keel for the first Pacific Patrol Boat for the Australian government’s Pacific Patrol Boat Replacement (PPB-R) project, the company announced on 31 July.
The PPB-R contract was awarded to Austal in May last year. Under the contract, Austal is to design, build and sustain 19 39.5m steel-hulled patrol boats for 12 Pacific Island nations. The vessels are being gifted by Australia to enhance maritime security cooperation across the South Pacific region.
This first vessel is one of four that will be delivered to Papua New Guinea. The build is due for completion in the last quarter of 2018.
David Singleton, CEO, Austal, said: ‘Austal is delivering on every aspect of the PPB-R project from the design and build here in Henderson, to the sustainment of the vessels in Cairns. This project is anticipated to employ more than 200 people directly at Austal and 100 more through our growing Australian supply chain, providing outstanding career opportunities for both qualified workers and apprentices across the country.’
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