PRESS RELEASE

Philippine Embassy, Canberra

1 Moonah Place, Yarralumla, ACT 2600
www.philembassy.org.au    *Tel. No. 02-6273-2535*

01 July 2025, Henderson, WA - Ambassador Antonio Morales visited the facilities of Austal, one of the world’s leading shipbuilders, located within the Australian Marine Complex in Western Australia on 01 July 2025. He met Mr. James Stokes, President for Australasia, and Mr. Oliver Morton, Executive Vice President for Sales and Operations.

The Austal executives provided a briefing on the company’s global operations and its key role in designing and constructing advanced vessel platforms, including catamarans, trimarans, and monohulls. Austal has played a critical role in delivering major defence programs such as the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) and Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF) for the United States Navy.

Ambassador Morales expressed appreciation for Austal’s longstanding investment and presence in the Philippines, particularly through its world-class shipyard in Balamban, Cebu. Since its establishment, the facility has not only strengthened the Philippines’ position in the global maritime industry but has also generated significant livelihood opportunities for thousands of Filipino workers and their families.

Now employing over 800 personnel, the Philippine shipyard has become Austal Group’s global centre for commercial vessel design and construction, capable of producing high-speed ferries, workboats, and crew transfer vessels. The facility includes an expansive assembly hall that allows round-the-clock vessel construction, supporting Austal’s modular approach to shipbuilding. In addition to commercial builds, Austal Philippines contributes components for naval vessels and has the capacity to undertake full patrol vessel construction for international clients.

The company also shared recent developments in its wind-powered cargo vessel program, with Austal Philippines set to construct a 66-meter sailing trimaran under a new contract announced for FY2025, with delivery expected in 2026.

Ambassador Morales commended Austal’s continued investment in the Philippines and highlighted the importance of such partnerships in enhancing skills development, technology transfer, and maritime industry innovation. He mentioned the growing relevance of green and sustainable shipbuilding in global trade and maritime connectivity and affirmed support for deeper industry collaboration between Australia and the Philippines.

Austal is recognized as the largest aluminium shipbuilder in the world and a key defence prime contractor. The company has delivered more than 380 commercial and defence vessels to over 121 operators across 59 countries with shipyards in Australia, the United States, the Philippines, and Vietnam.

The Philippines and Australia, as maritime nations in the Pacific, share a long history of partnership on defense and security and have continued to enhance maritime cooperation over the years through mutual exchange, education and training. - END