- Premier met with Lürssen at their headquarters in Bremen, Germany
- Push for WA to become the base for exports into the Asia-Pacific region
- Lürssen have been selected as the international design partner for the $3.5 billion Offshore Patrol Vessel Program
- 10 Offshore Patrol Vessels will be constructed in WA from 2020, creating up to 400 jobs for Western Australians
Premier Mark McGowan met with world-leading shipbuilder Lürssen in Bremen, Germany to discuss future local job creation potential for Western Australia.
In November 2017, the Commonwealth Government selected Lürssen as the international design partner for the $3.5 billion Offshore Patrol Vessel Program, which will see the replacement of the fleet of Patrol Boats currently in service for the Royal Australian Navy.
The first two Offshore Patrol Vessels will be constructed in Adelaide commencing this year, with the build to transition to Western Australia in 2020. Forgacs Marine and Defence (a subsidiary of Civmec) and Austal will build 10 of these vessels, which will see up to 400 jobs created for Western Australians.
Lürssen's first Australian office was established in Henderson last year.
In meeting with Lürssen, the Premier discussed the Offshore Patrol Vessel Program, supply chain requirements and Western Australia's potential as a base for exports into the Asia-Pacific region.
Comments attributed to Premier Mark McGowan:
"We have identified defence as a key pillar for diversifying Western Australia's economy, creating more jobs for Western Australians.
"I know firsthand that our State already boasts an experienced shipbuilding industry with the expertise and capability to build vessels for the Australian Navy and for export.
"Western Australia welcomes Lürssen as the design partner for the new Offshore Patrol Vessels for the Royal Australian Navy.
"Lürssen will establish a local supply chain for the program, which will greatly benefit our defence industry and create WA jobs."
Premier's office - 6552 5000
