Harland & Wolff Group has entered a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Austal Australia to aid their pursuit of aluminium shipbuilding opportunities. The MOU, signed at the 2023 Indo Pacific Maritime Exposition in Sydney, includes the transfer of technology, skills, and shipyard capabilities required to build the next generation of patrol vessels for the United Kingdom for maritime security agencies. Both parties have identified opportunities in the UK market, including the Border Force vessel replacement programme, and intend to work jointly in a non-exclusive partnership on such opportunities.
John Wood, Group Chief Executive Officer of Harland & Wolff said “I am delighted to have signed this MoU with Austal, a global leader in the aluminium vessel market. As we embark on the next phase of the Company’s growth and development, we will be partnering with Austal not only for the transfer of technology to build aluminium vessels but to also join hands with them when bidding for contracts. Austal’s skills and decades of experience in the aluminium build space and border security vessels are second to none. I look forward to working closely with them to build the next generation shipyard capability for aluminium vessels in the UK.”
Austal Limited Chief Executive Officer Paddy Gregg said,“The MOU was the first step towards winning new business in the United Kingdom, collaborating with Harland & Wolff, an established manufacturing, services and support company operating in the maritime defence industry.Harland & Wolff is an ideal partner for Austal in the pursuit of defence opportunities in the United Kingdom with the facilities, expertise and capabilities to effectively pursue and help deliver new vessels for organisations such as the UK Border Force. We look forward to collaborating with Harland Wolff on new opportunities that leverage Austal’s proven leadership in aluminium patrol boat design and construction.”
Building on around 160 years of marine manufacturing experience, Harland & Wolff offers a unique combination of vast facilities and technical capability. From initial consultancy through detailed engineering, fabrication and through-life support, Harland & Wolff is perfectly positioned to support the needs of the offshore and maritime industries. Harland & Wolff maintains a strong reputation in the UK for its two strategic defence assets. In Belfast, the company are one of the only three UK naval shipbuilders suitable for major MOD contract work. Meanwhile our Appledore shipyard has a strong portfolio of vessels built within its facilities, from military craft to bulk carriers. The senior team has extensive experience across several high-profile global defence programmes, including; the Canberra Class Amphibious Assault Ship, Anti-Ship Missile Defence for the Royal Australian Navy ANZAC Class Frigates, the Canadian patrol programme and UK complex warship programmes.
