As part of the AWD Reform Process, in December 2015 Navantia was selected to bring an experienced shipbuilding management team into ASC AWD Shipbuilder Pty Ltd (ASC) to maximise program performance through to the end of the three-ship build program. Since Navantia’s appointment, all program cost and schedule milestones have been achieved or exceeded.
“Navantia Australia welcomes the Government’s recognition of the exceptional performance of the Australian shipbuilding team delivering the Hobart Class, Australia’s most capable warships,” said Donato Martinez, Managing Director of Navantia Australia.
“This announcement is a credit to the work of all involved in the AWD Alliance, including ASC, Raytheon and the Department of Defence. The success we are now seeing in the AWD program is building a strong foundation for Australia’s continuous naval shipbuilding enterprise.”
In September 2017 first-of-class HMAS Hobart was commissioned. The second ship, Brisbane, began sea trials in November 2017 and will be delivered later this year.
The AWD program has achieved more than 60 per cent Australian Industry Capability to date, demonstrating the growth of Australia’s shipbuilding industry.