Luerssen Commences First Steel Cutting of Sixth Arafura-class OPV

08 Agustus 2022

First steel cutting of HMAS Carpentaria, sixth Arafura-class OPV (photo : Luerssen)

Construction Commences OPV Carpentaria Luerssen Australia

In another exciting development for the Arafura Class Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) Program, construction has officially started on OPV 6.

The first piece of steel has been cut in Henderson, WA, for what will be known as HMAS Carpentaria.

Luerssen Australia now has six vessels under construction in South Australia and Western Australia.

Overall, Luerssen Australia will deliver 12 OPVs to the Royal Australian Navy.

Luerssen Australia Chief Executive Officer, Jens Nielsen, said this represented another significant achievement in the Program.

“The commencement of construction on OPV 6, is another pivotal point in the Arafura Class OPV Program.”

HMAS Arafura 203 first OPV made by Luerssen (photo : Aus DoD)

“It is a testament to the efforts of everyone involved in the Program that construction is underway on vessel number six, as we continue to work on five other vessels across two sites in Osborne and Henderson.”

“We are extremely proud of the progress we have made on the Program, and there is no doubt the strength of our sovereign supply chain has been critical in helping us achieve this milestone.”

Luerssen Australia is embedding almost 150 years of shipbuilding and sustainment knowledge into the Australian supply chain.

“By supporting local suppliers, we are helping develop their capabilities which is creating a more robust supply chain.”

Luerssen Australia is employing Australian workers, in Australian shipyards, using Australian steel to build the Royal Australian Navy the vessels it needs for the future.

As the Western Australian shipbuilding sector continues to grow over the next decade, Luerssen Australia sees a very bright future for the industry and is committed to making a positive long-term impact on sovereign shipbuilding in Western Australia.

(Luerssen Australia)