AUSTRALIAN COMPANY WINS $500 MILLION
CONTRACT FOR NEW ZEALAND NAVY

An Australian company, Tenix Defence Pty Ltd has been awarded contracts for the provision of Project Protector, a NZ$500 million modernisation program for the Royal New Zealand Navy.

Announcing the deal, Australia’s Defence Minister, Senator Robert Hill, said Tenix’s provision of a successful and innovative solution for the New Zealand Navy displayed the capabilities and strengths of Australian ship builders to operate competitively in the international market.

Tenex won the NZ contract over strong bids from the United Kingdom, Singapore and the Netherlands

Senator Hill said the Tenex win also clearly demonstrated that the Australian shipbuilding industry has the ability and skills to meet the forthcoming shipbuilding programs outlined in the Australian Government’s Defence Capability Plan.

Project Protector is the acquisition of a multi-role vessel, and offshore and inshore patrol vessels, to be operated by the Royal New Zealand Navy to conduct tasks for and with the New Zealand Customs, the Department of Conservation, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Ministry of Fisheries, Maritime Safety Authority of New Zealand and New Zealand Police.

The 2002 Maritime Forces Review, conducted by the New Zealand Ministry of Defence, detailed the need for sealift capability, inshore and offshore patrol matched to New Zealand’s demanding maritime environments, and the ability to conduct at-sea Naval training.

All of the vessels purchased under Project Protector will be designed and purpose built to meet these needs.

Tenix plans to build on its successful experiences of local industry participation in the ANZAC Ship Project in both Australia and New Zealand, with the majority of Project Protector’s vessels to be built, assembled, launched and fitted out in Australia and New Zealand.

Modules for the offshore patrol vessels will be constructed in New Zealand, while the consolidation and launch of the ships will occur at Tenix’s shipbuilding facilities at Williamstown in Victoria, where the Australian Navy’s ANZAC frigates were built.

“The project will provide opportunities for a wide range of New Zealand and Australian companies, building upon the considerable benefits already delivered through the ANZAC frigate program,” Senator Hill said.

Canberra
09 August 2004

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