Shipbuilder Harland & Wolff is to collaborate with an Australian business to pursue shipbuilding opportunities in the UK.
The Belfast-based plc announced it has signed a memorandum of understanding with Austal Australia at the Indo Pacific Maritime Exposition in Sydney.
The companies said the non-inclusive partnership covers the transfer of technology, skills, and shipyard capabilities required to build the next generation of patrol vessels for the UK for maritime security agencies.
Both have identified openings in the UK market, including the Border Force vessel replacement programme.
Paddy Gregg, chief executive of Austal, said it was its first step towards winning new business in the UK.
“Harland & Wolff is an ideal partner for Austal in the pursuit of defence opportunities in the UK 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.”
John Wood, group CEO of Harland & Wolff, said: “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.”
Source: Belfast Telegraph (link opens in new window)