Page 31: of Maritime Reporter Magazine (January 2000)

Austal To Start U.S. Shipbuilding Joint Venture

Australian shipbuilder Austal has signed a joint venture agreement to establish a U.S. shipbuilding operation,

Austal USA. After extensive investiga- tion, Austal's Chairman, John Roth- well, announced that Bender Shipbuild- ing & Repair Co. Inc. would partner

Austal in the USA. The majority equity will be held by Austal.

Currently the coastwise trade laws in the U.S. (primarily the Jones Act and the

Passenger Vessel Services Act) general- ly prohibit foreign-built vessels from operating on domestic routes. But the

U.S. passenger vessl market is ripe, with an estimated 3,600 vessels carrying nearly 200 million passengers each year. "With Austal's leading-edge technolo- gy, and world leadership in the design and production of high performance alu- minum vessels, coupled to Bender's comprehensive capabilities and domes- tic knowledge, we will revolutionize light weight, high speed shipbuilding in the USA," said Rothwell. "We are extremely excited about this opportunity to bring to the American people the most advanced and sophisti- cated technology available. Of equal importance will be the employment opportunities an operation of this scope will provide."

Tom Bender, President and grandson of the founder of Bender Shipbuilding, said. "I am looking forward to collabo- rating with our friends at Austal in building modern, high-speed aluminum vessels in Mobile. With our knowledge of the U.S. market, experience in hiring and retaining skilled shipyard workers and expertise in purchasing material and equipment, we expect to contribute sig- nificantly to the venture. Our new high- tech laser cutter - the first of its kind in a U.S. shipyard - should help Austal

USA achieve sizeable cost savings in building these ships."

It is expected that the full product range will be built at the Mobile, Alaba- ma shipyard. Austal has substantial growth ambitions not only to capture a significant share of the passenger ferry market with its sophisticated technology and vessels not presently available in the

U.S., but is also seeking opportunities to supply to the U.S. Defense Department. "We have already had comprehensive discussions with various U.S. Defense personnel in regard to the High-Speed

Sealift Ships program. Additionally, we believe Austal USA will be well placed to supply future needs of the U.S. Coast

Guard based on our experience and suc- cess as the supplier of patrol craft needs for Australia's Coast Guard equivalent, the Australian Customs Service," said

Rothwell. In addition to domestic orders, export opportunities will also be sought.

A site has been identified and con- struction on the first stage of the devel- opment will commence as soon as the required approvals are received. It is anticipated that this site will grow in size comparable to Austal's Western

Australian facility. Recruitment will commence as early as January 2000 with training of key personnel in highly specialized aluminum shipbuilding skills to take place at Austal's Western

Australian Shipyard. Substantial train- ing initiatives will be implemented to facilitate commensurate skilled work- force growth and the quality for which

Austal vessels are world-renowned.

Circle 186 on Reader Service Card

ASTILLEROS ESPANOLES

Now and into the future

Ochandiano, 14 -16 28023 El Plantio • Madrid - Spain

Tel. +34 91 387 81 00

Fax+34 91 387 81 14

Email: [email protected]

Circle 205 on Reader Service Card

January, 2000 31