GL signs new contract with AUSTAL

Australian fast-vessel builder Austal Ships Pty Ltd. has prolonged its long-standing technical and commercial partnership with classification society Germanischer Lloyd (GL). Austal shipyard entrusts GL exclusively with the newbuilding classification of all projects until May 2010. Several vessels to be built by Austal shipyard will be classed by GL. The new agreement provides a project-oriented plan approval service, onsite plan approval when necessary, and for the presence of experienced high speed craft surveyors on site.

“This contract confirms our presence in a region with substantial growth opportunities for Austal. This contract signing with Austal gives evidence for a mutual beneficial relationship based on innovation, customized research and technical excellence”, said George Spiliotis, Area Manager of GL Australia/New Zealand.

GL will continue to provide classificatory handling, technical advisory services and accompanying analyses of strength, dynamics and hydrodynamics for the projects of the Austal yard. Research and development (R&D) activities for Austal include developments of rules for crew boats, patrol vessels and developments of rules for global and local loading.

Accordingly rules for classification and construction of high speed crafts and naval vessels have been developed by GL. They provide in-depth regulations for hull structural and other design criteria related to safety issues.