All media releases
"Excellent Relationship" Sees Rapid Patrol Boat Construction
July 03, 2009
The unprecedented speed at which Austal’s Armed Forces of Malta (AFM) inshore patrol craft contract is being completed was revealed during an official visit from the AFM’s project team-leader this week.
Lieutenant Colonel Martin Sammut visited Austal’s Western Australian facilities to inspect the progress of the four vessels, which are on track for delivery in November – just nine months after the contract was signed.
Lt Col Sammut said the AFM was very pleased what they witnessed during the visit.
“Less than five months after receiving the order, Austal has already completed the aluminium fabrication of all vessels’ wheelhouse, fly-bridge and masts, with shell plating on all hulls near completion and painting of the first three vessels well advanced. The speed of construction is quite simply astounding,” Lt Col Sammut said.
Austal’s progress illustrates that it is able to deliver quality customised solutions within timeframes that would be beyond most shipbuilders, including those offering standardised production designs.
Sea trials of the first vessel will commence in September.
With a maximum speed of more than 26 knots and the capability to support 7.62mm and 12.7mm guns, the 21.2 metre vessels are designed to assist the AFM with surveillance and border protection throughout Malta’s coastal waters. Each vessel will be equipped with a 3.4 metre rigid hull inflatable boat, stowed and launched off a stern ramp recessed into the main deck.
Lt Col Sammut said the excellent relationship established with Austal promised the delivery of the best product in line with the agreed requirements.
“Excellent lines of communication have been established with the Austal project team. Our relationship is underpinned by strong people-to-people links,” Lt Col Sammut said.
“Communications with Austal’s project manager are continuous and this augurs well that the AFM will get the best product in line with agreed requirements,” he said.
Austal was awarded the contract in February following a competitive international tender process, which called for a proven design that addressed specific AFM requirements, as well as meeting a demanding delivery schedule. The project is being co-financed by the European Union’s External Border Fund 2008.
The speed at which Austal is building the vessels saw more than 50 per cent of the aluminium plate cutting completed less than a month from contract signing, along with 25 per cent of the vessels’ aluminium construction.
Austal Global Defence Manager, Jamie Robinson, said the project not only demonstrated Austal’s ability to meet aggressive delivery schedules but also the company’s emphasis on strong customer relationships.
“We are very pleased to see the rapid progression of these important vessels and look forward to seeing them in operation with the AFM by the end of the year,” Mr Robinson said.
“Throughout this entire project Austal has been determined to deliver the best solution for the AFM’s requirements - that being a quality, cost-effective aluminium patrol boat fleet delivered on time,” he said.
Mr Robinson said the four vessel fleet, which marked Austal’s debut in the European defence market, had already attracted attention from other European nations interested in Austal’s range of high speed aluminium defence platforms.
“Having traditionally shown preference towards domestic builds, the European defence market is now taking notice of Austal’s brand of advanced aluminium defence platforms, typified by their speed, shallow drafts, flexibility and reduced maintenance costs,” he said.
AFM responsibilities include maintaining Malta’s territorial waters through combating terrorism and illicit drug trafficking, conducting anti-illegal fishing operations, operating Search and Rescue (SAR) services, and physical/electronic security/surveillance of sensitive locations.
AFM Maritime Squadron Chief Engineering Officer, Captain Brian Pace, commented, “Besides enhancing our border surveillance capabilities, these vessels have much-sought-after and better sea-keeping characteristics. We’re looking forward to their better endurance, which is complemented by major crew comfort and safety improvements. The superior crew accommodation and enhanced catering and messing facilities for the eight-man crew will certainly be a plus-factor on these vessels.”
All media releases