Keel laid for first Pacific Patrol Boat
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.’
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
Lockheed Martin strengthens Spanish SPY-7 radar supply chain
The global defence giant chose a Spanish firm for its work on the Bonifaz-class frigate.
-
US Navy places $312 million contract with Textron Systems for landing craft
Textron’s latest order for Ship to Shore Connector (SSC), Landing Craft, Air Cushion (LCAC) follows on from a contract placed in August 2023 for five LCAC.
-
Japan to boost surface fleet with new destroyers and missile ships
Japan is enhancing its naval capabilities with the construction of the 13DDX advanced destroyer and Aegis System Equipped Vessels (AESV), aiming to strengthen its air and missile defence amid increasing security threats, particularly in East Asia.