Shipbuilding cluster nears completion

Australia?s most concentrated shipbuilding region will gain a significant boost to its infrastructure when the A$200 million ($104 million) Jervoise Bay Marine Industry complex becomes operational in mid 2002. The complex, which neighbours the Henderson shipbuilding strip, is being set up as a one-stop venue for large ship fit outs and the fabrication, assembly and maintenance of major sub sea components, pressure vessels, LNG trains and modularised integrated deck structures. While a large part of the State-Federal Government funded infrastructure is dedicated to servicing the offshore industry, the common user marine facilities are expected to boost the capability of shipbuilders, particularly smaller builders who are currently restricted to building or fitting out vessels under 50m. The marine complex will feature a 15,000t load out and service wharf, a breakwater, marine works and navigation aids, a 350m wet berth, a 140m enclosed shed and painting facility and launching facilities. Encouraging R&D It will also feature a Marine Industry Technology Park to encourage innovative research and development and a training centre to service the labour needs of local builders. Sabre Catamarans managing director Bill Harry suggests use of the facilities could result in a resurgence of smaller builders on the Henderson shipbuilding strip which is dominated by Austal companies. A bonus for smaller builders would come with the opportunity to access much improved facilities without having the pressure of large capital outlay. “A lot of smaller builders are relying on one company, SBF Shipbuilders to gain access to waterfront ship lift and launching facilities, so we should now be in a much stronger position,” Harry says. Simon Skevington, acting director for Infrastructure Coordinate Division with the Western Australian Department of Industry and Technology, says Jervoise Bay will be promoted as a competitive alternative to facilities in Singapore, Dubai and Indonesia. Negotiations are being finalised to appoint a facilities manager for the marine park before an international marketing campaign is launched. “We will be focusing on our geographic position, which is just a weeks sailing distance from Asia, access to a well trained work force and the region?s industrial, political and economic stability,” Skevington says. Skevington adds that technology park tenants would work closely with the shipbuilding and marine engineering related fields. Hydrodynamic testing and other high technology electronics companies that serviced the marine industry were likely clients. “I do not wish to name companies or their related fields at this time while confidential negotiations are taking place,” Skevington says. “This sort of facility will put builders in a much stronger position when bidding for work. In the defence industry up to 80% of the value of a vessel is in the high technology electronics. Also, most refits of commercial or defence vessels will require electronics upgrades.” Circumspect view Australian Shipbuilding Industry chairman and managing director of Austal Ships Bob McKinnon is circumspect when invited to comment on whether Jervoise Bay would boost the region?s competitive position against facilities in the Middle East and South East Asia. McKinnon, who is Austal?s managing director, says it is unlikely a large company like Austal would need to use Jervoise Bay?s facilities. “We are fairly self sufficient as far as infrastructure goes. It may be the case that the facilities will be of assistance to other yards around here.” Phill Brown, general manager of Tenix WA, which builds bulk carriers, patrol vessels, ferries and offshore support vessels, suggests Jervoise Bay?s infrastructure would open larger yards like Tenix and Austal to competition from smaller builders. Advantage would be gained from accessing the 140m construction hall and closed in painting facilities without requiring any capital outlay. Tenix, which also conducts repair and overhauls for commercial ships and naval surface submarines, is currently limited to a 75m shed. n