In preparation for its SEA 1180 OPV Programme tender to the Australian Ministry of Defence, Damen Shipyards Group has concluded two Industry Briefings aimed at Australian companies active in the maritime and defence industries. The briefings met an enthusiastic response from Australian companies; in total, 350 and 233 people representing 260 and 170 companies participated in briefings in Western and South Australia respectively.
In line with the Australian Ministry of Defence’s requirements, Damen is aiming to encourage the maximum possible amount of Australian content in order to develop and expand the country’s shipbuilding and defence industries.
Signifying a proactive step in the preliminary stages of the tender process, Damen held the Industry Briefings in Adelaide on 3 February and in Perth on 5 February to become better acquainted with the capabilities, services and products of local suppliers.
Damen’s Project Manager for the Australian industry capability part of the tender process, Wolter ten Bokkel Huinink, and Damen’s Australia representative, Mark Todd, highlighted the key aspects of the company’s motivations in presentations at both Industry Briefings. Using Damen’s own vessel design as a starting point, they described the various work packages that would be involved and the criteria on which Damen intends to select suppliers.
Damen’s track record on building ships locally is proven; the company has successfully constructed numerous Damen designs at several non-Damen yards around the world under the programme that is known as Damen Technical Corporation. It must also be noted that this includes naval vessels; the most recent example of which are the two frigates for the Indonesian Navy, the first of which was recently handed over to the client.