Civmec cuts steel for next-generation Australian OPV

A steel-cutting ceremony was held on Wednesday, October 3, for one of 12 next-generation offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) for the Royal Australian Navy.

The ceremony was held at Civmec Construction and Engineering's facility at Henderson in Western Australia.

Civmec will build this first vessel under a joint venture with prime contractor Luerssen Australia called the Australian Maritime Shipbuilding and Export Group (AMSEG).

Formed in May 2018, AMSEG will build 10 OPVs with an option to build additional vessels.

Australian steel will be utilised in the construction of all 12 OPVs, including the two vessels not under AMSEG.