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A defence prime has set its sights on the opportunities in the West Australian naval shipbuilding and liquified natural gas carrier repair industries.
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A Navantia Australia team, led by chairman Warren King and managing director Donato Martinez, met with a range of industry leaders co-ordinated by West Australian Liberal senator Linda Reynolds, as well as meeting with the WA Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation.
Navantia said the meetings focused on growing the partnership between Navantia Australia and WA industry.
Senator Reynolds said she is delighted to have had the opportunity to host another global prime defence company in WA to showcase the state’s industrial capabilities.
"There is a significant opportunity for Western Australia to become a regional leader in the sustainment and maintenance of LNG vessels in conjunction with the sustainment of the future naval fleet," Senator Reynolds said.
Discussions with the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation included the potential for an LNG carrier repair capability in the state, as well as WA’s substantial naval sustainment and maritime industry. The Navantia Australia delegation also met with Civmec, Austal, Hoffman Engineering, the WA Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and others.
"Western Australia has a strong maritime industry and is vital for the sustainment of Australia’s naval capabilities," said King.
"With Navantia Australia’s expertise in LNG carrier repair in Spain, we are optimistic about the opportunity to work with WA industry to establish a similar capability here. Given WA’s proximity to Asia and the two largest importers of Australian gas, this has the potential to become a significant industry for the state."
Navantia’s Ferrol shipyard specialises in the LNG carrier repair industry and is one of six shipyards that account for over 94 per cent of global LNG carrier repairs.
Martinez said the prominence of the WA LNG sector and the experience of its maritime sustainment industry put the state in a strong position to compete for this work.
"Increasing opportunities for Australian companies in areas such as LNG carrier repair is significant for the development of a sustainable shipbuilding industry in Australia," said Martinez.
"Building adjacent capabilities will help to grow Australian industry’s international competitiveness for the continuous naval shipbuilding program. Many of the West Australian companies we have identified as potential suppliers for the Future Frigate program also have capabilities which provide natural synergies for LNG carrier repair and other opportunities."
Over the past decade, Navantia Australia has formed partnerships with over 200 Australian companies. The company is currently competing to secure the SEA 5000 project.
