Austal’s Post

Austal Limited's inaugural chairman, John Rothwell AO, is retiring from his position of Chairman of the Company to serve on the Austal board as a Non-Executive Director. Former United States Secretary of Navy (SECNAV) Richard Spencer will replace Mr Rothwell as Chairman, and will also join the board of Austal USA, providing important linkages between the two boards. Mr Rothwell’s retirement as Chairman marks a significant milestone in the history of Austal, having served in the position for 37 years since he founded the company in 1987. During that time Austal has grown from a small, privately-owned, West Australian, commercial shipbuilder to an ASX-listed, international defence prime contractor with a multibillion-dollar orderbook, over 4,000 employees and substantial ship building operations in Australia, the United States and South East Asia. Mr Rothwell said Austal set out four important criteria to select its new chair – excellent character; strong business acumen; in-depth knowledge of the US defence industrial base; and enduring relationships with the Australian and/or US defence sector. “Those criteria narrowed the field of candidates considerably,” he said. “Richard was at the top of the list, and I’m pleased that he was receptive to our approach.” Mr Spencer served five years with the United States Marine Corps as a Naval Aviator. After leaving the defence force, he worked at several investment banks including Goldman Sachs, Donaldson, Lufkin and Jenrette, and Bear Stearns. He also served on the Pentagon Defense Business Board advisory panel and the Chief of Naval Operations Executive Panel. He was appointed and confirmed as Secretary of Navy from August 2017 through to November 2019. Mr Spencer said he was looking forward to the Chairman role, which commences on 1 July 2024. Read the full company announcement at https://lnkd.in/ghRqf_J9

Austal Giving is proud to be supporting LifeCycle for Canteen and their mission to raise money for Canteen Australia, a not-for-profit organisation that provides free and tailored support to young people aged 12-25 who are impacted by cancer. Whether they are dealing with their own diagnosis, a close family member’s cancer or the death of a loved one, Canteen Australia provides: ·        connection with peers in similar situations through events & programs ·        free counselling and individual support ·        24/7 online support services for young people and parents ·        access to free information and resources ·        specialist support services for young cancer patients LifeCycle is a registered charity which runs OnRoad and OffRoad events for cyclists in Western Australia. Their popular OnRoad cycling event started in 1998 and is held annually on the weekend after the long weekend in March, riding from Perth to Busselton over three days. Their OffRoad event, started in 2012, takes place in October each year. LifeCycle is the biggest community fundraiser for Canteen Australia and has raised more than A$2.9 million since 1998. Some of the Austal Giving Committee recently caught up with Jenny from LifeCycle for Canteen to present a cheque for A$1,829 - raised by the Austal #team at the Henderson shipyard. To learn more about LifeCycle for Canteen and their OnRoad and OffRoad events please visit https://lifecyclewa.com/ To learn more about Canteen Australia please visit https://lnkd.in/gz5-DJUj #austal #austalgiving #lifecycleforcanteen #canteenaustralia

Our sincere thanks to The Hon. Dr. Kevin Rudd AC, Australia's Ambassador to the United States of America for visiting the Austal USA shipyard in Mobile, Alabama yesterday; and his continued support of our engagement with AUKUS, in both the USA and Australia. #Austal #AustalUSA #AUKUS

The Austal #team and our collaboration partners have been well represented at Royal Institution of Naval Architects’ Warship 2024: Future Surface Combatants Conference in Adelaide, South Australia, this week. Today, Austal Australia’s Chief Technology Officer, Glenn Callow was the keynote speaker, talking about marine autonomy and the technologies that are transforming future naval surface ships. Austal Australia's PBAT Project Engineer, Jacob Bailey and Greenroom Robotics Pty Ltd's Chief Technology Officer, Harry Hubbert also presented at todays conference - sharing lessons learned during the recent Patrol Boat Autonomy Trial under the title “Navigating Challenges: Design, Technology and Operational Lessons from Large Optionally Crewed Vessels.” Last but certainly not least, Anton Schmieman, Director of Advanced Concepts at Austal USA, has made the long journey from Mobile, Alabama to present “Optimising for Mission: Designing the US Navy’s New Bethesda Class Expeditionary Medical Ship” at the conference. The RINA Warship 2024: Future Surface Combatants Conference has been a great opportunity for stakeholders to share technical developments from across the industry and around the world; in the areas of vessel design, construction and support, facilities and shipbuilding automation, digital engineering, marine autonomy and disruptive technologies. For more information visit https://lnkd.in/gQmv6EQF #RINA #Warship2024 #Conference #Adelaide #austal #austalUSA #autonomy #navalshipbuilding #design #navalarchitecture

A great video from Defence Australia that highlights the capability of the Guardian class Patrol Boats - proudly designed, constructed and supported by Austal Australia. Watch the full video at https://lnkd.in/dmVsxK9s and learn more about the 22 x Guardian class Patrol Boats being delivered to 12 Pacific Island nations and Timor Leste at https://lnkd.in/g_TXyGz8 #Austal #AustalAustralia #defence #defenceindustry #guardian-class #patrolboats #australian #navalshipbuilding #sovereigncapability

Austal Australia has successfully launched the 7th Evolved Cape-class Patrol Boat for the Royal Australian Navy - the future ADV Cape Solander - at the Henderson, Western Australia shipyard; achieving a record state of completion for the vessel, prior to hitting the water. What does this mean? Austal’s build and acceptance strategy, driven by Industry-leading efficiency and productivity measures means only a small percentage of the total vessel fit out and commissioning is required alongside (on the water).  Our commissioning team have completed the majority of their work scope in the assembly bay. We are extremely proud of our valued supply chain partners and #team Austal, who continue to collaborate and integrate; optimising our collective performance and realising opportunities. Our relationship with Defence Australia and Navy is one of openness, trust and transparency and translates into a high performing enterprise. This outstanding achievement is testament to the naval shipbuilding capabilities that exist across the #Henderson Precinct. Austal has already delivered six 58 metre Evolved Cape-class Patrol Boats since May 2020, and following the Australian Government’s recent announcements in November 2023 and February 2024, we’ll be delivering another four vessels in the next two years for the Royal Australian Navy. We’re making every second count, and delivering together – for the Royal Australian Navy, the National Naval Shipbuilding Enterprise, and our nation. #austal #austalaustralia #evolvedcapeclass #patrolboats #ausnavy #ADVCapeSolander #launch

Austal Limited is pleased to announce that the Austal USA Board of Directors has appointed Michelle Kruger President of Austal USA. Michelle has been Interim President since July 2023 and assumes the permanent role immediately. Michelle joined Austal USA in 2022 as Vice President of Global Services and Support, responsible for global post-delivery vessel repair and warranty services. She has quickly and successfully implemented a number of business strategies, developed key government and commercial business partnerships and overseen the delivery of projects that have added value to the business, including the opening of Austal USA’s new San Diego waterfront facility and the delivery of a 9,000 tonne capacity dry dock. Austal Limited Chief Executive Officer Paddy Gregg congratulated Michelle Kruger on her appointment as President Austal USA, which has been welcomed by employees, customers, and industry. “Michelle Kruger has quickly demonstrated her exceptional capability to lead the Austal USA #team and deliver on multiple shipbuilding, repair and maintenance projects. “Michelle has developed outstanding, positive working relationships with Austal USA’s customers and stakeholders, supply chain partners and employees and her appointment has been warmly welcomed throughout the industry. Upon her appointment, Austal USA President Michelle Kruger said “I am thrilled and committed to lead Austal USA’s efforts in becoming the premier surface ship shipbuilder and submarine module manufacturer of choice, in the nation. As a team we will continue to deliver worldwide service and support capability while steadily advancing technology in support of our nation’s readiness needs.” Read the full company announcement and learn more about Michelle Krugers' impressive career, spanning more than 25 years at https://lnkd.in/gKkz-R_b #austal #austalUSA #michellekruger

Today, on ANZAC Day, we honour the courage, sacrifice, resilience and mateship of all those who have served, and continue to serve in our armed forces, for our nation’s security and freedom. It’s a time to reflect and reaffirm our commitment to supporting veterans, and ensure the sacrifices of our servicemen and women are never forgotten. They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old; Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them. Lest we forget.  #anzacday2024 #lestweforget

As part of the Patrol Boat Autonomy Trial underway for the Royal Australian Navy, Austal Australia completed Sea Acceptance Trials (SAT’s) of the vessel Sentinel, off the coast of Western Australia in March and April 2024. With the support of Trusted Autonomous Systems, Greenroom Robotics Pty Ltd and Navy’s Warfare Innovation (WIN) Branch, the trials included a series of supervised tests of the Sentinel’s remote control and autonomous systems and operating capability, from onboard and remote (command centre) locations. Utilising collaboration partner Greenroom Robotics’ Advanced Maritime Autonomy (GAMA) software, the vessel undertook multiple, remote controlled and autonomous (pre-programmed) navigation events, including various manoeuvres, station keeping, go/no-go operation testing, advanced collision avoidance, contact detection and radar tuning and vessel dynamics testing. With the  vessel safely and successfully completing all of the objectives of the Sea Acceptance Trials, the PBAT team progressed to the next stage of the project; an endurance trial that tested the remote and autonomous capability of the vessel and systems in an extended voyage journey over several days. To read the full media release please go to https://lnkd.in/grdeqZSP #austal #greenroomrobotics #trustedautonomoussystems #ausnavy #patrolboatautonomytrial #PBAT #Sentinel #autonomy