BlueScope Steel AIS to Deliver More than 1500 Tonnes of Steel Plate for Australian Frigates

05 Juni 2020

Hunter class frigate (image : BAE Systems)

Australian made steel for Australian frigates

The Government’s Hunter Class Frigate Program continues to deliver opportunities for Australian workers with the signing of a steel contract worth around $2.5 million.

Australian company BlueScope Steel AIS has signed a contract with ASC Shipbuilding, a subsidiary of BAE Systems Australia, to deliver more than 1500 tonnes of steel plate which will be used to construct five ship blocks in the prototyping phase of the program.

The blocks will then test processes, systems, tools, and facilities prior to construction commencing on the first of nine frigates by end 2022.

Minster for Defence, Senator the Hon Linda Reynolds CSC said the prototyping phase is on schedule to begin this year.  

“This latest contract signing demonstrates the progress being made on the Hunter Class Frigate Program, which will form the foundation of the Morrison Government’s $90 billion National Naval Shipbuilding Program,” Minister Reynolds said.

“Prototyping is an essential phase when building any complex warship, and will ensure employees at ASC Shipbuilding are thoroughly trained in using the state of the art digital equipment in one of the world’s most advanced shipyards at Osborne South in Adelaide. 

“This first phase is key to the Hunter class program, which when complete will provide the Royal Australian Navy with a regionally superior anti-submarine warfare capability.” 

Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Melissa Price MP said the Frigate Program is expected to create 4,000 Australian jobs, with over 1,100 Australian companies already pre-qualified to be part of the supply chain. 

“This is all about Aussie jobs and creating a skilled Australian workforce to deliver nine frigates for our Navy,” Minister Price said. 

“It is important, now more than ever, to back Australian businesses and create more Australian jobs, that’s why we’re building Australian ships with Australian steel by Australian workers.” 

(Aus DoD)