Frigate docks in Freo as Italian shipbuilder visits WA

Wednesday, 25 January 2017
 
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• Italian shipbuilder and designer visits Perth to see WA's defence capabilities
• WA businesses set to attend industry briefing held by shipbuilder
• Local industry ready to take part in multi-billion dollar naval vessel builds and sustainment 

One of the world's biggest shipbuilders will arrive in Western Australia today to meet with representatives of the State's naval shipbuilding companies and local supply chain, who are vying for a share of a multi-billion dollar defence program.

Representatives from Italian shipbuilding and design company, Fincantieri, and its signature vessel, the FREMM Frigate 'Carabiniere', will dock in Fremantle giving locals the chance to see the anti-submarine warship up close.

Commerce Minister Michael Mischin, who is meeting with Fincantieri today, said the Australian Government was modernising its naval capabilities by replacing the existing Anzac Class frigate fleet with nine anti-submarine warfare frigates.

Mr Mischin said Fincantieri was one of three European ship designers shortlisted to refine its FREMM Frigate design for the RAN SEA5000 Future Frigates program.

"The Future Frigate program is worth about $30 billion and there is an expectation that WA industry will contribute to the build and sustainment of the project," he said.

"Fincantieri will hold an industry briefing on February 2 to gain a greater understanding of the State's shipbuilding capabilities and include local suppliers in its procurement supply chain, if it becomes the successful tenderer.

"WA has demonstrated a strong commitment to our national naval defence and our local industry is ready to take part in this important naval project.

"The Liberal National Government is supporting WA businesses to secure defence industry work and is committed to further growing the industry and securing local jobs for decades to come."  

The Minister said significant public and private investment had benefited the State's naval shipbuilding, repair and maintenance, and heavy engineering industry sectors making them very competitive for such projects.

Fact File

• The Carabiniere is part of the Bergamini class which is the Italian variant of the Frigate European Multi-Mission (FREMM) class
• An open day will be held at Fremantle Wharf on Thursday January 26, 2017
• WA is home to about 180 companies with direct defence contracts, of which the majority are small to medium-sized enterprises