Austal, the Australian-headquartered global leader specialising in the design, construction and maintenance of high-performance vessels for defence and commercial purposes, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Unithai Shipyard and Engineering, Thailand’s premier shipyard.
The MOU strengthens the companies’ cooperation and collaboration in sharing expertise and providing high-quality ship repair services to support defence and commercial vessels operating in the Asia-Pacific region.
Based on the MOU, Unithai Shipyard will be Austal’s preferred repair shipyard for US-owned commercial and defence vessels, such as the United States Navy’s Littoral Combat Ships (LCS) and Joint High Speed Vessels (JHSV), that require repairs when operating in the vicinity of Thailand. Austal is currently contracted to build ten 103-metre JHSVs under a US$1.6 billion contract and six 127-metre LCSs, four of which are a part of a 10-ship, US$3.5 billion contract. Austal has already delivered one LCS and one JHSV.
Charles McGill, Austal Chief Operating Officer – Service and Systems said:
“ We recognise that Unithai Shipyard is one of largest integrated ship repair facilities in Southeast Asia, with a world-class reputation based on its commitment to high standards covering health, safety and the environment, timely delivery, superior customer service and innovative solutions .”
“ In particular, it has a track record as one of the region’s leading shipyards specialising in the repair, conversion and maintenance of commercial, defence and auxiliary vessels. We believe Unithai Shipyard provides high quality professional services that can meet the customers’ operating in Thailand expectations. ”
Unithai Shipyard’s Managing Director, Teerapon Udomkanjananan said:
“ The MOU is not only a significant milestone allowing Unithai Shipyard to step forward and exchange experience and expertise with a globally reputable defence prime contractor and shipbuilder, but it is also essential to promoting the shipyard industry in Thailand. Unithai Shipyard is strongly committed to delivering the best-quality service in the entire range of ship repair projects referred by Austal. ”
[mappress] Austal, March 28, 2013