Austal secures JHSV 2 and 3 contracts

Austal previously received US Navy funding for long lead-time material, including diesel engines, water jets and reduction gears, for these two vessels in June 2009. The additional work is valued at approximately AUD$225 million.

Intended as the US Department of Defence’s next-generation multi-use platform, the two 103m high speed catamaran vessels will be constructed at Austal’s US facility, located in Mobile, Alabama. Austal was selected as Prime contractor for the JHSV program in November 2008, which included construction of the first JHSV and options for nine additional vessels to be exercised between FY09 and FY13. Construction of the first Austal JHSV commenced in December 2009.

Austal Managing Director Bob Browning commented: “By exercising Options 2 and 3, the US Navy has signalled its support of this important and significant multi-vessel program.”

“The JHSV program could serve to extend the United States’ ability to provide humanitarian relief globally and Austal is pleased to be able to contribute to this effort through the speedy delivery of this highly flexible, low-cost vessel.”

Similar to the Austal-built WestPac Express operated by the US Marines for the past nine years, but with the addition of a helo deck, the JHSV will be capable of transporting troops and their equipment, supporting humanitarian relief efforts, operating in shallow waters, and reaching speeds in excess of 35 knots fully loaded.

Construction is also underway at Austal USA on a second 127m Austal-designed and built Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) for the US Navy, with the first, USS Independence, commissioned earlier this month. The US Navy continues to express a commitment to a 55-vessel LCS program.

Austal USA’s new state-of the-art 35,000m

² Modular Manufacturing Facility (MMF)

facilitates the concurrent construction of both JHSV and LCS platforms. Austal USA’s workforce is expected to grow to more than 1,500 as a result of the JHSV program.