German ship-builder Luerssen is to establish a base in Perth, Australia, in order to win defence contracts. It has joined up with engineering company Civmec and Government-owned ship-builder ASC in a bid for the Royal Australian Navy’s $3 billion offshore-patrol-vessel (OPV) programme.

The businesses will also be seeking ship-building work for other navies in the Asia-Pacific region. Chief executive Peter Luerssen (pictured left) said the firm chose Perth because of the OPV bid and other potential contracts for small warships.

“With our partners, Luerssen Australia will develop a regional export hub to capture the significant opportunities that are emerging in the Asia-Pacific region.

“We expect to forge a new Australian naval ship-building capability, backed by more than 140 years of German engineering experience.”