Tom Wechselberger from Defence Industries QLD & Mark Todd representing Damen Shipyards Group addressed an audience of 81 interested industry members at the Aviation Australia auditorium in Brisbane yesterday.
The Damen group are one of three international shipbuilders shortlisted for the building of 12 steel-hulled Offshore Patrol Vessels to replace Australia’s current fleet of Armidale Class patrol boats under the SEA1180 program.
Tenders close on March 30th, and the Damen team are currently putting the finishing touches on their comprehensive plan to build these vessels teamed with the ASC and Civmec / Forgacs. The tender document dictates that two of the new patrol boats must be built in South Australia, and the remaining 10 in Western Australia. If successful, Damen Shipyards Group will establish “Damen Australia” to add to their global presence of more than 9000 employees across 32 shipyards in 5 continents. “Think Global, Act Local” is their catch cry.
The ICN Gateway portal which Damen established for the tender bid attracted a significant amount of interest from SME’s wishing to be part of the build. While this portal has by necessity now closed, Damen see their Design Review Process as an ongoing opportunity for SME’s to continue to become involved in the project to maximise Australian content in the ships.
Those companies interested in becoming part of the supply chain should make contact with Damen Head Quarters in Gorinchem, Netherlands following the below process.
Subject line: SEA1180 Procurement
Email: SEA1180_procurement_inbox@damen.com
Damen Shipyards Group are presenting to the industry again in Melbourne on Friday 18th March.
