First Keel Laying for Royal Australian Navy Hobart Class Destroyer

: Posted On Saturday, 08 September 2012 15:56

Naval Forces News - Australia

First Keel Laying for Royal Australian Navy Hobart Class Destroyer

September 6, 2012 marked the start of the consolidation phase of the Royal Australian Navy Air Warfare Destroyer (AWD) project with the laying of the first keel at Techport Australia in Adelaide.

AWD Alliance CEO Rod Equid said the first keel laying is a significant milestone in the AWD project as it marks the start of the next phase in the delivery of three world-class warships to the Royal Australian Navy.

“It’s an exciting time with work on the AWD project progressing well. From today we will see steady progress on consolidation of the first ship with its hull due for completion on the hardstand within 15 months.”

“BAE Systems has delivered all seven blocks to AWD Shipbuilder ASC in Adelaide for Ship 1. Forgacs is expected to deliver seven blocks for Ship 1 before the end of the year.”

“Block fabrication work is now underway on all three ships at ASC Shipyard in Adelaide, Forgacs shipyards in Newcastle, BAE Systems shipyard in Melbourne and Navantia’s shipyard in Spain.”

HOBART class Air Warfare Destroyer for the Royal Australian Navy
(Video: AWD Alliance)

“I welcome today’s announcement by the Ministers to re-baseline the AWD program which will extend the keel-to-keel interval to 18 months between each ship,” Mr Equid said.

“The initiative was taken in consultation with industry and is good news for our workforce, for the future shipbuilding industry and for our industry partners.

“This will be welcomed news for the 2500 people directly working on this project throughout Australia. Extending the keel-to-keel intervals will reduce risk and create savings by improving productivity and stabilising the workforce demand over time.

“The initiative will contribute to long-term stability of the national shipbuilding sector and assist in preserving the skills and capability within the sector in the lead up to planned future naval programs.”

“It will also allow the project to capitalise on the knowledge learned during the construction phase of the first ship and apply that knowledge to the subsequent ships.”