Damen scouts partners in bid for Australian contract

Feb. 8 (UPI) -- The Damen Shipbuilding Group is seeking Australian partners in its bid to win a contract to construct offshore patrol vessels for the Royal Australian Navy.

It has held two industry briefings on its plans this month -- in the cities of Adelaide and Perth -- attracting representatives from over 400 companies to become better acquainted with the capabilities, services and products of local suppliers.

"We are committed to involving both the Australian shipbuilding and marine equipment industries to the max," said Wolter Ten Bokkel Huinink, Damen Australia's Project Manager for the Australian industry.

"The fact that these vessels will be comprehensively built in Australia means that this project is effectively a catalyst to the greater goal of developing a sustainable shipbuilding industry in the country." Damen is one of three companies shortlisted by the Australian government for the vessels, which are to replace Armidale-class patrol boats, Huon-class minehunters, and Leeuwin-class survey vessels.

As many as 20 OPVs could be ordered.