Australian naval shipbuilder to expand into UK market

Australian naval shipbuilder Austal has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with UK-based the Harland and Wolff Group to pursue shipbuilding opportunities in the UK.

The MOU calls for the transfer of technology, skills, and shipyard capabilities required to build the next generation of patrol vessels for the UK for maritime security agencies.

Austal said both parties have identified opportunities in the UK market, including the Border Force vessel replacement programme. The companies intend to work jointly in a non-exclusive partnership on such opportunities.