Minister for Defense, Senator the Hon Robert Hill, announced that Austal Ships, in conjunction with joint tender partner, Defense Maritime Services (DMS), has been short-listed to design, construct and provide through-life service for the Royal Australian Navy’s new patrol boats, due to replace the existing Fremantle class patrol boats. If ultimately successful, Austal’s role in the SEA 1444 project will be the design and construction of the patrol boats, while DMS will provide logistic and maintenance support through the operational life of the vessels, in addition to training of naval crews. Austal Ships’ managing director, Bob McKinnon, said Austal’s inclusion on the short-list was a reflection of the company’s worldwide success with both commercial and military vessels.