ASC Shipbuilding, InfraBuild in steel deal for frigates
About 120 tonnes of local steel will be used to support the $35bn future frigates program following a deal between ASC Shipbuilding and Sanjeev Gupta’s InfraBuild.
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ASC Shipbuilding has engaged local steel maker InfraBuild Steel Centre to supply about 120 tonnes of steel in support of the $35 billion future frigates program.
The steel, from InfraBuild Steel Centre’s Port Adelaide facility, is being used to make an initial six jig wagons which will transport ship parts around the Osborne shipyard.
A total of 13 jig wagons will be manufactured to support the Hunter class frigates program, which will move into prototyping later this year.
ASC Shipbuilding construction manager Andy Crerar said the deal represented another milestone for the project.
“Manufacturing the jig wagons is another great milestone for the Hunter program - it’s the first production work to be undertaken in the new shipyard.”
Formerly known as Liberty OneSteel Metalcentre, InfraBuild Steel Centre is part of the InfraBuild industrial group owned by British businessman Sanjeev Gupta.
It operates across the country including from local sites in Port Adelaide, Whyalla and Mount Gambier.
InfraBuild Steel Centre SA/NT manager Barry Kelly said the company was pleased to be involved in the early stages of the frigates program.
“The project provides excellent opportunities for the local industry to showcase and enhance its capacity and capability, as well as developing new skills and technologies for the benefit of this project and other industries.”
The deal with InfraBuild follows a $2.6m contract between ASC Shipbuilding and BlueScope Steel to supply more than 1500 tonnes of steel plate for the prototyping phase of the project.
ASC Shipbuilding, the shipbuilding arm of global defence giant BAE Systems, will commence prototyping in December, with construction of five representative ship blocks at the Osborne shipyard.
ASC Shipbuilding managing director Craig Lockhart said the recent steel agreements reflected the company’s commitment to use Australian steel in the frigates project.
“As the Hunter program approaches cut steel on prototyping at the end of the year, we will place more contracts with Australian businesses, underpinning our commitment to maximise Australian industry capability.”
Defence Industry Minister Melissa Price said the Hunter program was delivering local jobs and developing the country’s skilled workforce.
“It is important, now more than ever, to back Australian businesses and create more Australian jobs,” she said.
“That’s why we’re building Australian ships with Australian steel by Australian workers.”
Construction on the first of nine Hunter class frigate is expected to commence in 2022.