Bids Sought for Amphibious Ship Project

Industry throughout Australia has the opportunity to work with the Austal-Raytheon Amphibious Ships Team, which in August 2004 announced its intention to bid for the Australian Defence Force’s $2 billion Amphibious Ships Project (JP 2048). JP 2048 involves the construction of two amphibious ships between 200-250 metres in length and approximately 25,000 tonnes displacement.

John Rothwell, Austal’s Executive Chairman, said, “A project the size of JP 2048 provides an opportunity for the involvement of many parts of industry and no single company will be able to deliver on all requirements. Optimal program results will only be delivered from a well-planned collaborative effort involving many segments of Australian industry, including a wide range of SMEs and subcontractors.”

To maximise the involvement of Australian industry, Austal and Raytheon are collaborating with the Industry Capability Network Western Australia (ICNWA), part of the WA Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI), to facilitate the collection and assessment of supplier data through the ICNWA’s ‘Project Connect’ web-based technology. ICNWA also provides access to an extensive network of Australian industry contacts.

Australian companies seeking to work with the Austal-Raytheon Amphibious Ships Team on JP 2048 are invited to visit www.projectconnect.com.au and register their interest.