Australian Thai Joint Venture wins new Royal Thai Navy Contract

Bangkok--December 11--Australian Embassy A multi million dollar contract between the Royal Thai Navy and the joint venture partners Australian Submarine Corporation (ASC) and Silkline International for the construction of three Landing Craft Utilities (LDUs) was announced today by Australia’s Minister for Defence Industry, Science and Personnel, Mrs Bronwyn Bishop, in Bangkok. Announcing the new contract in Thailand Mrs Bishop said: ‘Defence Industry partnerships, such as this one between the Australian Submarine Corporation and Silkline International, further strengthen the close defence cooperation relationship between Thailand and Australia and brings prosperity to the people of both nations.’ Construction of the three Landing Craft Utilities will commence in March/April 1998 at Silkline’s shipyard at Pranburi in Prakuabkirikhan Province. The boats carry tanks, trucks and armoured personnel carriers from heavy landing craft to shore. The 50 foot 360 tonne steel vessels can hold four large battle tanks at one time. The successful Australian Thai joint venture is already working on the construction of three aluminium patrol boats for the Royal Thai Navy. The awarding of the second contract within 18 months of the original contract demonstrates the confidence that the Royal Thai Navy has in the joint venture. ASC is responsible for the ships’ design, project management and procurement and provides to the joint venture a shipbuilder and project manager to oversee the project. Silkline is providing detailed design skills, shipyard facilities and workers. The joint venture staff of eighty will double when construction commences on the Landing Craft next year. As all procurement is managed through ASC’s Adelaide office small and medium Australian enterprises are given an opportunity to become suppliers for the joint venture. The Royal Thai Navy requires the joint venture partners to provide integrated logistical support to enable the Navy to maintain and operate the vessels after commissioning. The landing crafts' design ensures interoperability between the Royal Thai and Australian Navies. For further information: Kathryn Ellis Komson Kaemthong Public Affairs Officer Press Officer 287 2680 extension 4511 287 2680 extension 4505--End.

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