Austal
Austal is an Australian-based global shipbuilding company known for designing and constructing high-performance aluminum vessels. Established in 1988, the company has expanded its operations worldwide, with shipyards and service centers in Australia, the United States, the Philippines, and Vietnam.
Austal specializes in producing various types of vessels, including:
- Military Ships: Austal has significant contracts with the United States Navy and other navies worldwide. Notably, they build the Independence-class Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) and the Spearhead-class Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF) for the U.S. Navy.
- Commercial Vessels: They manufacture high-speed ferries, passenger vessels, and offshore support vessels.
- Custom Vessels: They also produce tailor-made solutions for governmental and private clients, addressing specific requirements and operational needs.
Key Attributes and Services
- Lightweight Aluminum Construction: Austal is recognized for its expertise in aluminum fabrication, which offers benefits like reduced weight, corrosion resistance, and lower fuel consumption, leading to cost-efficient operations.
- Innovative Design: The company employs advanced design and engineering techniques to enhance vessel performance, safety, and efficiency.
- Global Reach: With production facilities and service centers worldwide, Austal supports a broad spectrum of maritime needs across different regions.
- Sustainability: Austal is involved in sustainable practices, including the development of environmentally friendly technologies and vessels.
- Service and Maintenance: They provide lifecycle support, including maintenance, repair, and overhaul services to ensure the longevity and optimal performance of their vessels.
Key Projects and Achievements
- Defense Contracts: Notable for securing large-scale contracts such as the multi-billion-dollar LCS and EPF programs for the U.S. Navy.
- High-Speed Ferries: They've delivered some of the fastest and most efficient ferry services globally, contributing significantly to maritime passenger transport.
Financial and Market Presence
Austal is publicly listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX). Over the years, it has demonstrated robust financial performance, driven by strong order books and expanding market presence. The company continues to invest in R&D, reflecting its commitment to innovation and growth in the maritime industry.
Austal’s expansive portfolio and strategic global positioning make it a formidable player in the shipbuilding industry, known for delivering high-quality, innovative maritime solutions.
Passenger and vehicle-passenger ferries, leisure vessels, private liveaboard vessels, offshore vessels, patrol boats, police boats, naval vessels, multi role vessels,
- Phone: +61 8 9410 1111
- Web: www.austal.com
- Fax: +61 8 9410 2564
Locations
Austal USA News
Austal Delivers Fourth Ship to Navy for 2018

Austal USA delivered the Expeditionary Fast Transport ship USNS Burlington (EPF 10) to the U.S. Navy during a ceremony onboard the ship at the company’s headquarters in Mobile, Ala., Nov. 15. This is the fourth ship Austal has delivered to the Navy this year.The EPF program provides the Navy with a high-speed intra-theater transport capability. The 338-foot long Burlington is an aluminum catamaran capable of transporting 600 tons…
Austal USA Christens USNS Puerto Rico

Austal celebrated the christening of Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF) the future USNS Puerto Rico (EPF 11) with a ceremony at its shipbuilding facility this morning. Puerto Rico is the eleventh of 12 EPFs that Austal has under contract with the U.S. Navy with a combined value of over $1.9 billion.Nine Spearhead-class EPFs have been delivered and are serving as an affordable solution to fulfilling the Military Sealift Command’s requirements worldwide.
US Navy Orders Materials for EPF 13

The U.S. Navy has awarded Austal an undefinitized contract action (UCA), valued at $57.8 million, to fund the acquisition of long lead-time material (LLTM) and production engineering associated with the construction of a 103-meter Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF) to be designated EPF 13.Austal was awarded the initial contract to design and build the first 103-meter EPF in November 2008. Since then…
Austal USA Delivers Third LCS of 2018

The future USS Charleston (LCS 18) delivered to today will be the 16th littoral combat ship (LCS) to enter the U.S. Navy fleet.The Independence-variant LCS is the ninth delivered by Austal USA, the American branch of Australian shipbuilder Austal, and the third LCS delivered by the Alabama shipyard this year.Five LCS remain under construction at Austal’s Alabama shipyard. Cincinnati (LCS 20) is preparing for sea trials.
Burlington (EPF 10) Passes Acceptance Trials

The U.S. Navy’s 10th Expeditionary Fast Transport ship, Burlington, completed acceptance trials, August 3 after two days of underway evaluation in the Gulf of Mexico.The ship demonstrated the readiness of its equipment and systems for operations, both dockside and underway, for the Navy’s Board of Inspection and Survey. The ship returned to the Austal USA shipyard in Mobil Ala. and will now begin preparations…
LCS 18 Completes Acceptance Trials

Charleston (LCS 18), the ninth Independence-variant Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) constructed by shipbuilder Austal USA, completed acceptance trials in mid-July, marking the final significant milestone before the ship's delivery to the U.S. Navy.The at-sea acceptance trials, which involved the execution of intense comprehensive tests by the Austal-led industry team while underway in the Gulf of Mexico…
Austal Opens San Diego Office

The United States’ fifth largest shipbuilder Austal USA has opened a new operations office in San Diego on Wednesday, in a move that aims to improve existing local support capabilities to the U.S. Navy’s Littoral Combat Ships (LCS) and Expeditionary Fast Transports (EPF) programs.“Today’s opening is a direct reflection of the company’s commitment to provide the U.S. Navy, not only exceptional ships…
Austal USA Wins Navy Deal
Austal USA won a construction contract by the U.S. Navy Friday to build an additional Independence-variant Littoral Combat Ship, its fifteenth ship in the class.
Austal USA Earns SCA Safety Award
Austal USA was recognized again as one of the safest shipyards in the country by the Shipbuilders Council of America (SCA) at their quarterly meeting in mid-May.
Austal USA Named Alabama Manufacturer of the Year
Austal USA was named Alabama’s manufacturer of the year by the Alabama Technology Network and the Business Council of Alabama during a ceremony in Montgomery, Ala.
Austal USA Names O’Brien New VP

Austal USA announced the appointment of Terry O’Brien to the position of Vice President of Business Development and External Affairs, effective November 18, 2013. In this role, he will be responsible for the all of Austal’s Business Development efforts, state and federal legislative activities, as well as coordinating external communications and media relations. A retired Navy Captain with over 26 years of service…
Austal USA Wins Safety Award

Austal USA earns 3rd annual Equity Underwriters' (AEU) large shipyard safety & health award
. (AEU insures 68 shipyards nationwide). AEU has honored Austal USA, a member of the American Longshore Mutual Association (ALMA), with the presentation of their 2012 Safety and Health Award for a large shipyard. Jimmy Burgin, AEU Senior Vice President and Director of Loss Control, presented Austal USA president…
Austal USA Powers Ahead

Austal USA has arguably been one of the more progressive and aggressive U.S. shipyards in its investment in technology, facilities and people. Austal USA President Craig Perciavalle took the helm a little more than six months ago, and Maritime Reporter was able to catch up with him recently for insights on pressing matters of the day. You have been in the president’s chair at Austal USA for more than half a year…
Austal USA Earns Safety Excellence Award

The Shipbuilders’ Council of America (SCA) has awarded Austal the 2012 SCA Award for Excellence in Safety. This honor is awarded to the shipyard members of the Association with the lowest total recordable incidence rates (TRIR) based on a quarterly injury and illness survey conducted by the SCA. This year, Austal contributed to the SCA’s lowest TRIR averages ever which was 65% below the industry average.
Austal USA Appoints New President

Austal USA announces the promotion of Craig Perciavalle to President, Austal USA. Mr. Perciavalle is currently serving as Senior Vice President of Operations. He joined Austal USA in 2007, serving in a number of senior management positions while overseeing Austal’s transition from a small, conventional commercial shipyard to an efficient, modular manufacturer of the Navy’s Littoral Combat Ship and Joint High Speed Vessel.
Austal USA Appoints New Board Member
John “Dugan” Shipway now Austal USA Outside Director. Austal USA is pleased to announce the appointment of Rear Admiral USN (Retired) John “Dugan” Shipway as an…
Austal USA Breaks Ground On Three New Facilities

Austal USA held a combined groundbreaking ceremony today, to celebrate the start of work on three new facilities including Phase 2 of the Modular Manufacturing Facility (MMF); a new office complex; and an additional waterfront Assembly Bay. The ceremony was held at Austal USA’s shipyard in Mobile, Alabama, where construction is underway on the U.S. Navy’s Independence-class Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) program and the Joint High Speed Vessel (JHSV) program.
Austal USA Wins Shipbuilders Council Safety Award
The Shipbuilders Council of America (SCA) congratulated Austal in a letter for earning the 2010 SCA Award for Excellence in Safety. This honor is awarded to the…
SCA Recognizes Austal USA for Safety

Austal USA received two awards from the Shipbuilders Council of America (SCA) for commitment to improving safety and health in the workplace. Austal USA President and COO, Joe Rella’ Health, Safety and Environmental Manager, Chris Blankenfeld and Vice President of External Affairs, Bill Pfister attended the SCA General Membership Meeting in Washington DC at the end of April where they were presented with the SCA Award for Excellence in Safety and the Award for Improvement in Safety.
Austal USA to Prime LCS Bid
Austal USA and Bath Iron Works (BIW) have agreed to revoke their current teaming arrangement. This strategic decision allows Austal USA to act as prime contractor in the upcoming bid for 10 U.S.