Mobile, Alabama, December 11, 2023 -- Austal Ships Pty Limited (Austal) and Birdon Pty Limited (Birdon) are pleased to announce they have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly develop defence shipbuilding capability in Western Australia to deliver the Australian Department of Defence Landing Craft-Medium (“LC-M”) Project.
The formation of the MoU commenced in late November when Minister for Defence Industry, Hon. Pat Conroy, announced a Heads of Agreement (“HoA”) to establish a Strategic Shipbuilding Agreement (“SSA”) between Austal and the Commonwealth, and named Austal as the preferred vessel constructor. Birdon was selected by the Commonwealth as the preferred designer for the LC-M Project.
Under the MoU Austal and Birdon have agreed to work with each other to jointly develop a costed proposal for the LC-M Project, along with exploring a range of other potential Defence shipbuilding opportunities.
“Austal has a very good track record of working effectively with third-party vessel designers and we look forward to working with Birdon to develop the MoU into a more substantive partnership so that we can deliver a capable and cost-effective LC-M program for the Army,” Mr Gregg said.
Questions around this news
What roles were Austal and Birdon selected for in the Landing Craft-Medium project?
The Commonwealth selected Austal as the preferred vessel constructor and Birdon as the preferred designer for the project. The companies’ memorandum sets out their intention to collaborate on a proposal combining those roles, but the release does not say that a final delivery contract has been awarded.
What is a landing craft, and what is it used for?
A landing craft is a vessel designed to carry personnel, vehicles, equipment or supplies between larger ships and shore, including places without a conventional port. Designs vary in size and capability, and may use ramps or other arrangements to transfer cargo. Defence forces can use them for logistics and support operations.
How does a memorandum of understanding differ from a shipbuilding contract?
A memorandum of understanding generally records parties’ intentions and the areas in which they plan to cooperate. Its legal effect depends on its wording and the applicable law. A shipbuilding contract typically sets binding obligations for matters such as design, construction, delivery, payment and performance, though the precise terms vary by agreement.
Birdon CEO Jamie Bruce said the MoU was a signal of the intent of both companies to form a collaborative relationship for the design and build of LC-Ms. “We are pleased that our LC-M design, which exceeds requirements and will deliver beyond any other vessel currently in-service or advertised globally, was the design preferred by the Commonwealth. We look forward to teaming with Austal to bring the design to life,” Mr Bruce said.
Austal Limited CEO Paddy Gregg and Birdon CEO Jamie Bruce at Austal USA’s headquarters in Mobile, Alabama (Photo: Austal)
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Media Contacts:
Austal
Cameron Morse
+61 433 886 871
[email protected]
Birdon
Joe Smith
+61 467 765 878
[email protected]
About Birdon:
Established in 1977, Birdon is a proudly Australian-owned business with a commitment to local manufacturing and supply chains. Birdon is providing solutions across many sectors key Australia’s security and prosperity and is successfully delivering major projects for the US Army, US Coast Guard and US Navy.
About Austal:
Austal is Australia’s global shipbuilder and defence prime contractor designing, constructing and sustaining some of the world’s most advanced commercial and defence vessels.
For 35 years Austal has contracted more than 350 vessels for over 122 commercial and defence operators in 59 countries, worldwide.
Austal is Australia’s largest defence exporter and first ASX-listed shipbuilder. Austal has industry leading shipyards in Australia, the United States of America, Philippines and Vietnam with service centres supporting customers worldwide.
Austal delivers iconic monohull, catamaran and trimaran commercial vessel platforms and multiple defence programs such as the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) and Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF) for the United States Navy, Offshore Patrol Cutter for the US Coast Guard and Evolved Cape-class Patrol Boats for the Royal Australian Navy.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Contact: Austal
Phone: 61 8 9410 1111
Fax: 61 8 9410 2564
Email: [email protected]
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At a glance
- Company
- Austal Ships Pty Limited (Austal)
- Announcement
- Partnership
- Location
- Mobile, Alabama
People
- Paddy GreggAustal Limited CEO
- Jamie BruceBirdon CEO
- Pat ConroyMinister for Defence Industry
