Civmec to invest $80m for a new shipbuilding facility in WA

Forgacs Marine and Defence Pty Ltd – a subsidiary wholly owned by Civmec Limited – have recently unveiled plans for a new state-of-the-art shipbuilding facility that will primarily target at Naval Defence projects.

Civmec is planning on investing up to $80 million for the new facility, which will be situated on a 7-hectare site adjacent the company’s existing workshop at the Australian Marine Complex in Henderson. The site of the new facility will also be near the Royal Australian Navy’s Fleet Base West at Garden Island.

Once the new facility is up and running, it will be able to provide up to 1,000 jobs as well as an additional 100 apprenticeships and graduates.

According to Civmec Chief Executive Patrick Tallon, the new facility will enable the company to pursue contracts for the maintenance and construction of various vessels for the Royal Australian Navy, including offshore patrol vessels. This project will also position the company to bid on projects such as the Offshore Patrol Vessel build that is expected to begin in Western Australian in 2020.

“This facility will be state-of-the art and will make us competitive in Australia and overseas.

“We feel a standalone facility, operated by Forgacs Marine and Defence, is required to ensure there is absolutely no adverse effect to our present valuable clients that we deliver for in our operating sectors,” said Mr Tallon.

With this project, Civmec is positioning itself for participation in the country’s $89 billion naval ship and submarine upgrading program – which is a part of the Australian Government’s $195 billion overall defence investment from now until 2025-26.

Design and planning for this project has already begun, with a detailed focus on engineering and geotechnical analysis set to commence in the New Year.

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Source: Business News Western Australia and Forgacs Marine and Defence