Demonstrating its growing presence in the defence and vessel support markets, Austal’s US operation has been awarded a subcontract by BAE Systems to provide structural maintenance services for “Sea Fighter” (FSF-1), a US Navy Research Vessel which is used for advanced technology demonstrations. The vessel 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. Austal’s Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Bellamy, said the contract was in line with key company strategies to expand its defence and vessel support businesses. “This contract is further recognition from the defence community that our core skills add value in the in-service support phase.