Seafighter work for Austal USA, BAE Systems

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seafighterAustal USA, Mobile, AL, has been awarded a subcontract by BAE Systems Southeast Shipyards, Mobile, AL, to provide structural maintenance services for Sea Fighter (FSF-1)—perhaps better known as the “X-Craft”—a U.S. Navy Research Vessel which is used for advanced technology demonstrations.

Built by Nichols Brothers Boatbuilders, Whidbey Island, WA, the Seafighter is a 79.9 metre high-speed aluminium catamaran, designed to operate at speeds in excess of 50 knots. It is operated by Great Eastern Group for the Office of Naval Research (ONR).

Austal CEO, Andrew Bellamy, said  “This contract is further recognition from the defence community that our core skills add value in the in-service support phase. It shows we can successfully grow our international support business, and leverage our defense contracting credentials beyond new ship construction, in line with our strategy.”

Austal currently provides in-service support to defense vessels in Australia, Oman, Trinidad and Tobago and the United States.

“We are very pleased to be teaming with the professionals from Austal. The ability to harness the strengths of both companies in a cooperative effort will be fundamental to securing future opportunities,”  said Vic Rhoades, director and general manager of BAE Systems Southeast Shipyards Alabama.

Austal USA President and Chief Operating Officer Joe Rella said, “We are excited to work with our neighbors at BAE Systems and bring more business to Mobile, Alabama.”

Austal’s contract value is approximately $1.5 million dollars, and work is expected to extend into the first quarter of 2012.

 

November 11, 2011

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