A CONSORTIUM of Tasmanian companies has joined forces with a German manufacturing giant to bid for a multibillion-dollar defence contract. The cluster of companies, known as TasPac, includes Launceston-based steel fabricator Haywards, North-West manufacturer William Adams and Southern shipbuilder Incat. Together, they have submitted a tender application to the Commonwealth government to build up to 21 patrol boats for Pacific nations. The boat building phase alone would be worth $600million, with ongoing maintenance expected to bring in $1.2billion. Premier Will Hodgman said the competitive tender process presented an extraordinary opportunity. ‘‘These are vessels that Tasmanian business, not only Incat and Haywards can construct, and many others in the maritime sector can support,’’ he said. ‘‘We don’t believe that we get anywhere near Tasmania’s fair share of defence spending.’’ Mr Hodgman said the contract could help address challenges in the state’s advanced manufacturing sector. ‘‘It’s opportunities like this that will allow for our workforce to be utilised in a way that provides them with employment, increases our capability, and opens up new and bigger opportunities in the future,’’ he said. Leading the group is German naval shipbuilder ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS), which produces about 80per cent of the world’s submarines. TKMS spokesman Dieter Rottsieper said the company had canvassed companies throughout Australia, and found those in Tasmania the most cost-effective and attractive partners. ‘‘We are happy to partner with the Tasmanian team for the Pacific patrol boat project – it could mark a new era of shipbuilding in Australia.’’ TKMS has built frigates for the Australian and New Zealand navies, and is bidding for a submarine contract that could also involve Tasmanian companies. Incat managing director Craig Clifford said the consortium’s skills and experience gave it a strong chance of winning the project.
Premier Will Hodgman with members of a Tasmanian consortium bidding for the Pacific patrol boats contract. Picture: DANIEL McCULLOCH
A CONSORTIUM of Tasmanian companies has joined forces with a German manufacturing giant to bid for a multibillion-dollar defence contract.
The cluster of companies, known as TasPac, includes Launceston-based steel fabricator Haywards, North-West manufacturer William Adams and Southern shipbuilder Incat. Together, they have submitted a tender application to the Commonwealth government to build up to 21 patrol boats for Pacific nations.
The boat building phase alone would be worth $600million, with ongoing maintenance expected to bring in $1.2billion.
Premier Will Hodgman said the competitive tender process presented an extraordinary opportunity.
‘‘These are vessels that Tasmanian business, not only Incat and Haywards can construct, and many others in the maritime sector can support,’’ he said.
‘‘We don’t believe that we get anywhere near Tasmania’s fair share of defence spending.’’
Mr Hodgman said the contract could help address challenges in the state’s advanced manufacturing sector.
‘‘It’s opportunities like this that will allow for our workforce to be utilised in a way that provides them with employment, increases our capability, and opens up new and bigger opportunities in the future,’’ he said.
Leading the group is German naval shipbuilder ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS), which produces about 80per cent of the world’s submarines.
TKMS spokesman Dieter Rottsieper said the company had canvassed companies throughout Australia, and found those in Tasmania the most cost-effective and attractive partners. ‘‘We are happy to partner with the Tasmanian team for the Pacific patrol boat project – it could mark a new era of shipbuilding in Australia.’’
TKMS has built frigates for the Australian and New Zealand navies, and is bidding for a submarine contract that could also involve Tasmanian companies.
Incat managing director Craig Clifford said the consortium’s skills and experience gave it a strong chance of winning the project.
