Aussie shipbuilder taps Aboitiz Construction in bid to build PHL patrol vessels

Australian shipbuilder Austal Philippines Pty Ltd. has signed a memorandum of agreement with Aboitiz Construction Inc., establishing a partnership to bolster the shipbuilder’s bid to build six new offshore patrol vessels (OPV) for the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Austal identified Aboitiz Construction as the potential local subcontractor in the event it succeeds in securing a contract from the AFP.

“The MOA affirms Austal Philippines’ continued confidence in Aboitiz Construction after it successfully designed, developed, and constructed six assembly bays in Austal’s expanded shipbuilding facility in Balamban, Cebu,” Aboitiz Construction said.

Austal’s newly expanded assembly bays will allow OPVs to be constructed in the country.

Aboitiz Construction noted its competitive advantage in terms of having a fabrication shop next to the Austal shipyard in in West Cebu’s Balamban economic zone.

Tapping a Filipino contractor with a proven track record in fabrication and steelworks is expected to strengthen Austal’s bid, which combines Australian marine technology and world-class Filipino workmanship, the company said.

“Since 2011, Austal Philippines has become an integral partner of the global Austal Group in building revolutionary high-speed ships for governments, navies, and ferry and offshore operators around the world and we can contribute our expertise to help modernize the naval fleet of the Armed Forces of the Philippines,” Wayne Murray, Austal Philippines president, said.

“We believe that we can pursue the bid with Aboitiz Construction as our preferred local contractor for this endeavor,” he added.

Aboitiz Construction president and COO Alberto Ignacio Jr. assured Austal Philippines of its strong support in this collaboration citing the many years of experience of the company in fabricating hulls and other steelwork for clients in Japan, USA, and Canada.

“Our record of repeat international orders throughout these years will show the quality and competitiveness of our fabrication services,” Ignacio said. —Ted Cordero/VDS, GMA News