Steber's big build for Australian Navy
by John Bulmer 28 Feb 2018 15:40 PST
Alan Steber showing dignitaries around factory © John Bulmer
Australian Minister for Defence, Senator Marise Payne announced a major defence contract involving Australian's leading fibreglass boat manufacturer, Steber International during a flying visit to Taree.
Steber has contracted with Thales Australia (prime contractor) to deliver five 38ft support vessels to the Australian Government.
In making the announcement, Senator Payne said: "Steber vessels will be configured as unmanned surface vessels and mine countermeasure support boats that deploy systems to protect our navy assets".
"As a result of this contract, Steber is looking to create 10 new jobs, including specialist staff and apprentices".
The vessels will have a top speed of 25 knots, a payload in excess of three tonnes and feature a new naval paint scheme.
The project is scheduled for staged delivery across 2018-19.
Steber is also a key partner with Ocius Technology in the innovative Bluebottle Program. The Bluebottle unmanned surface vessel runs on solar, wind and wave energy and can remain at sea for months at a time, offering the potential for future cutting-edge capability enhancements.
"As a senator for NSW and Minister for Defence, it is fabulous to see local businesses delivering capability to our defence force - NSW truly is the Defence state".
In commenting on the announcement, Steber general manager, Alan Steber said: "The project will provide a variety of employment, trades and supply chain opportunities over the two year build period".
"The vessels will be built to strict specifications, including Australian Marine Safety Authority (AMSA) requirements, involving surveyors and naval architects.
"In recent times we have ramped up our presence in the defence capability space with development of the Bluebottle range of unmanned surface vessels, and now this contract is a win-win for the Commonwealth of Australia and Steber International.
"We are looking forward to future government projects across naval, customs, fisheries and port security applications", Mr Steber concluded.