WA shipbuilder Austal has been awarded a US$53.5m ($75.3m) contract to procure long-lead time materials for the eleventh Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF 11), formerly known as the Joint High Speed Vessel, for the U.S. Navy.
Chief Executive Officer Andrew Bellamy said the contract award was an important step on the critical path to a new shipbuilding contract.
“It is timely that the U.S. Navy has directed Austal USA to move forward with the procurement of the long lead items for EPF 11. We can now anticipate finalisation of a shipbuilding contract for EPF 11 in the coming months,” Bellamy said.
“Costs incurred will be reimbursed but no profit will be recognised prior to execution of the shipbuilding contract.”
The award covers materials including main propulsion engines, generators, water jets, main reduction gears and other long-lead time items.
Earlier this year, Austal revealed it would cut up to 300 jobs by the end of the year.