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After months of anticipation, the government has chosen a design for the $3 billion Offshore Patrol Vessel program – but has made a surprise decision for the build of the vessels.
WA's Austal will build 10 of the 12 vessels in Henderson – but the government has not selected the design of its teaming partner, Fassmer.
German company Lürssen, which was partnered with ASC and Civmec for its bid, has been chosen as the successful designer for the $3 billion project.
However, Lürssen's teaming partner ASC has not missed out on the project entirely. Defence Connect understands the first two vessels, to be constructed in South Australia, will be built by ASC starting from 2018.
The program is scheduled to move to Austal’s Henderson shipyard from 2020.
Once they enter service, the ships will replace the ageing Austal-built Armidale Class patrol boats.
More to come.
