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{{Short description|Australian defence company}}
{{Use Australian English|date=April 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2021}}
{{Infobox company
| name = Austal Limited
| logo = Austal logo.svg
| logo_size = 150px
| logo_alt = 
| logo_caption = 
| type = [[Public limited company]]
| traded_as = {{asx|ASB}}
| ISIN = AU000000ASB3
| industry = [[Shipbuilding]] and [[Arms Industry|Defence]]
| fate = 
| successor = 
| founded = {{start date and age|1988|8|8|df=yes}} in [[Perth]], [[Western Australia]]
| founder = John Rothwell
| hq_location_city = [[Henderson, Western Australia]]
| area_served = Worldwide
| key_people = {{Unbulleted list|John Rothwell ([[Chairman]])|Patrick Gregg ([[CEO]])}}
| products = {{Unbulleted list|[[High-speed craft]]|[[Platform supply vessel]]s|[[Warship]]s}}
| services = 
| revenue = 
| operating_income = 
| profit = 
| assets = 
| assets_year = 
| equity = 
| equity_year = 
| owner = 
| num_employees = 5,500
| num_employees_year = 2016
| divisions = 
| subsid = {{Unbulleted list|[[Austal USA]]|Austal Philippines}}
| homepage = {{URL|www.austal.com}}
| footnotes = <ref name="Found date">{{cite web |title=Happy 30th Birthday Austal |url=http://usa.austal.com/news/happy-30th-birthday-austal |publisher=Austal USA |access-date=16 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180816102305/http://usa.austal.com/news/happy-30th-birthday-austal |archive-date=16 August 2018 |language=en |date=8 August 2018 |quote=Austal Limited started as a small, private shipyard in Perth, Western Australia on August 8, 1988.}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Careers|date=21 November 2014|url=http://www.austal.com/careers|publisher=Austal|access-date=8 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161228155525/http://www.austal.com/careers|archive-date=28 December 2016|language=en|quote=Over 5,500 Austal employees, worldwide [...]}}</ref><ref name="Austal - Executives">{{cite web|title=Austal Commences Construction of 109 metre High Speed Ferry for Molslinjen of Denmark|url=http://www.austal.com/news/austal-commences-construction-109-metre-high-speed-ferry-molslinjen-denmark|publisher=Austal|access-date=9 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170509022210/http://www.austal.com/news/austal-commences-construction-109-metre-high-speed-ferry-molslinjen-denmark|archive-date=9 May 2017|language=en|format=Press release|date=26 April 2017|quote=[...] the plate cutting ceremony which was hosted by Austal Chairman John Rothwell and Chief Executive Officer David Singleton.}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Growth, Profitability, and Financial Ratios for Austal Ltd (AUTLF)|url=https://financials.morningstar.com/ratios/r.html?t=AU000000ASB3|website=[[Morningstar, Inc.]]|access-date=20 September 2017|archive-date=20 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170920062309/https://financials.morningstar.com/ratios/r.html?t=AU000000ASB3|url-status=dead}}</ref>
}}

'''Austal Limited''' is an Australian-based global ship building company and defence prime contractor that specialises in the design, construction and support of defence and commercial vessels.<ref name="Austal - About">{{cite web|title=What We Do|date=21 November 2014|url=http://www.austal.com/what-we-do|publisher=Austal|access-date=8 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170401053902/http://www.austal.com/what-we-do|archive-date=1 April 2017|language=en|quote=Austal is a global shipbuilder, defence prime contractor and maritime technology partner [...]; designing, constructing and supporting [...] defence and commercial vessels [...]}}</ref> Austal's product range includes naval vessels, [[High-speed craft|high-speed ferries]], and supply or crew transfer vessels for offshore windfarms and oil and gas platforms.<ref name="Austal - Ships">{{cite web|title=Ships|date=5 January 2015|url=http://www.austal.com/ships|publisher=Austal|access-date=8 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170331223545/http://www.austal.com/ships|archive-date=31 March 2017|language=en|quote=Since 1988, Austal has been designing, constructing and supporting commercial vessels (including passenger ferries, vehicle passenger ferries, offshore and windfarm vessels) [...]}}</ref>

Austal has three major ship building facilities. Defence vessels are designed and constructed in [[Henderson, Western Australia|Henderson]], [[Western Australia]] and [[Mobile, Alabama]], US. Commercial vessels are constructed in [[Balamban, Cebu|Balamban, Philippines]]. Vessel support is provided through service centres located in [[Darwin, Australia|Darwin]], [[Cairns]] and Henderson in Australia; [[San Diego, California]], US; Balamban, Philippines and [[Muscat, Oman]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Service Centres|date=21 November 2014|url=http://www.austal.com/service-centres|publisher=Austal|access-date=8 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170401065453/http://www.austal.com/service-centres|archive-date=1 April 2017|language=en}}</ref> Corporate headquarters are co-located at Austal's Australian ship building facility in Henderson.<ref name="Austal - Facilities">{{cite web|title=Production Facilities|date=21 November 2014|url=http://www.austal.com/production-facilities|publisher=Austal|access-date=8 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170401052404/http://www.austal.com/production-facilities|archive-date=1 April 2017|language=en|quote=With shipyards in Australia, the United States of America and the Philippines, Austal is [...]}}</ref>

{{As of|2017|pre=early|post=,}} Austal has designed and constructed over 260 vessels for numerous defence forces and commercial fleet operators. Customers include the [[Australian Border Force]], [[Condor Ferries]], [[Molslinjen|Mols Linien of Denmark]], [[Royal Australian Navy]], [[Royal Navy of Oman]] and [[United States Navy]].<ref name="Austal - Vessel count">{{cite web|title=Our Customers|date=4 November 2014|url=http://www.austal.com/our-customers|publisher=Austal|access-date=9 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170401053701/http://www.austal.com/our-customers|archive-date=1 April 2017|language=en|quote=Austal has designed and constructed over 260 vessels for over 100 clients in 50 countries, since 1988. Our customers include [...] commercial and defence fleet operators [such as] the U.S. Navy, Australian Border Force and Condor Ferries.}}</ref>

==History==
Austal was founded in 1988 by John Rothwell.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20240402214310/https://www.afr.com/street-talk/austal-s-long-serving-chairman-weighs-retirement-as-bids-land-20240402-p5fgtw Austal’s long-serving chairman weighs retirement as bids land] ''[[Australian Financial Review]]'' 3 April 2024</ref> In December 1998 it was listed on the [[Australian Securities Exchange]].<ref>[https://www.asx.com.au/asx/v2/statistics/displayAnnouncement.do?display=text&issuerId=3968&announcementId=365963&documentDate=1998-12-04&documentNumber=155628 Admission to Official List] [[Australian Securities Exchange]] 4 December 1998</ref><ref>[https://www.afr.com/companies/smoother-seas-20041104-ka92k Smoother seas] ''Australian Financial Review'' 4 November 2004</ref>

In May 1999 Oceanfast was purchased.<ref>[https://www.asx.com.au/asx/v2/statistics/displayAnnouncement.do?display=text&issuerId=3968&announcementId=283257&documentDate=1999-05-31&documentNumber=162388 Austal Limited formally acquires Oceanfast Shipbuilding operations] Austral 31 May 1999</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20240608010411/https://www.yumpu.com/en/document/read/50018556/issue-2-1999-austal-ships Oceanfast joins the Austal Group] Austal Group News issue 2 1999 page 1</ref> In December 1999 [[Austal USA]] was formed in a [[joint venture]] with Bender Shipbuilding & Repair of [[Mobile, Alabama]].<ref>[http://web.archive.org/web/20200501102143/https://www.asx.com.au/asx/statistics/displayAnnouncement.do?display=text&issuerId=3968&announcementId=318585&documentDate=1999-12-21&documentNumber=171807 US Joint Venture] Austal 21 December 1999</ref> In September 2006, it purchased Bender's shareholding in Austal USA.<ref>[http://web.archive.org/web/20200501114245/https://www.asx.com.au/asxpdf/20060918/pdf/3yjdzh4pd77pc.pdf Austal Acquires Minority Interest] Austral 18 September 2006</ref>

In February 2007, North West Bay Shipping shipyard in [[Margate, Tasmania]] was purchased.<ref>[http://web.archive.org/web/20200501114722/https://www.asx.com.au/asxpdf/20070226/pdf/3114nh5pg7jcpv.pdf Austal Purchases Shipyard Facilities] Austal 26 February 2007</ref> It was closed in August 2010.<ref>[https://www.asx.com.au/asxpdf/20100512/pdf/31q98cz3kj6qvr.pdf Rationalisation of Australian Operations] Austal 12 May 2010</ref><ref>[https://www.abc.net.au/news/2010-08-09/end-of-an-era-for-tasmanian-shipyard/937720 End of an era for Tasmanian shipbuilding] ''[[ABC News (Australia)|ABC News]]'' 9 August 2010</ref> In November 2011, a shipyard in [[Balamban]], [[Philippines]] was purchased.<ref>[http://web.archive.org/web/20200501121520/https://www.asx.com.au/asxpdf/20111107/pdf/422bvq442751fj.pdf Austal Makes Strategic Asian Shipyard Acquisition] Austal 5 November 2011</ref>

==Products==

=== 1988–2004  ===
{{sectstub|date=April 2023}}

===Littoral Combat Ship (LCS)===
{{main|Independence class littoral combat ship}}
[[File:USS Independence LCS-2 at pierce (cropped).jpg|thumb|USS ''Independence'' (LCS-2) at [[Naval Air Station Key West]]]]
In October 2005, Austal / [[General Dynamics]] was awarded a contract to build the first unit from its design for a [[Littoral Combat Ship]]. The keel of {{USS|Independence|LCS-2|6}} was laid down on 19 January 2006 at [[Austal USA]]'s Mobile, Alabama shipyard, with the naming ceremony held in October 2008.<ref>{{Cite journal|title=Navy Christens Littoral Combat Ship Independence|url=http://www.defenselink.mil/releases/release.aspx?releaseid=12255|date=10 January 2008| publisher=U.S. Department of Defense}}</ref> It is now operating with the fleet at its current location in Norfolk, Virginia.{{Clarify timeframe|date=May 2017}}<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://bymnews.com/news/newsDetails.php?id=79424|title=BYM Marine & Maritime Defence News}}</ref>

LCS-2 was the first ship built by Austal USA for the [[United States Navy|US Navy]] and the Navy's first [[trimaran]] Littoral Combat Ship. It is the first naval warship constructed in Mobile, Alabama since [[World War II]]. The basis of Austal's seaframe design was the {{convert|127|m|ft|adj=on}} trimaran hull {{ship|HSC|Benchijigua Express}}.

The second Austal/General Dynamics ship, LCS-4, was cancelled in November 2007.<ref>{{cite press release|title=U.S.Navy Press Release No. 1269-07|date=1 November 2007|url=http://www.defenselink.mil/releases/release.aspx?releaseid=11449|access-date=1 November 2007| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20071104071146/http://www.defenselink.mil/releases/release.aspx?releaseid=11449| archive-date= 4 November 2007 |url-status = live}}</ref> 
 
In May 2009, the US Navy renewed the contract with Austal/General Dynamics to build the second LCS, {{USS|Coronado|LCS-4|6}}, with delivery scheduled for May 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blog.al.com/press-register-business/2009/05/austal_to_build_second_lcs.html|title=Navy orders second LCS from Austal|date=2 May 2009}}</ref>

[[File:HSWHighSpeed5.jpg|thumb|right|''Highspeed 5'' of [[Hellenic Seaways]] in the port of [[Ios Island|Ios]]]]

In December 2010 the US Navy announced a new contract with Austal USA after Austal severed ties with [[Bath Iron Works|General Dynamics Bath Iron Works]]. New contracts for Littoral Combat Ships were awarded to both Austal USA and [[Lockheed Martin]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.defensedaily.com/publications/dd/Austal-USA-General-Dynamics-Bath-Iron-Works-Dissolve-LCS-Partnership_9560.html|title = Austal USA, General Dynamics Bath Iron Works Dissolve LCS Partnership|date = 8 March 2010}}</ref> The contract called for one ship to be built beginning in 2010 ({{USS|Jackson|LCS-6|6}}), one to be built in 2011 ({{USS|Montgomery|LCS-8|6}}), and two per year from 2012 to 2015. The LCS-6 contract was for US$432 million, with a goal of having the average ship cost US$352 million each. Another US$20 million was figured in for change orders, and a management reserve.<ref>[http://defensenews.com/story.php?i=5339223&c=AME&s=SEA Defense News]{{dead link|date=August 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>

===Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF)===
{{main|Spearhead-class expeditionary fast transport}}
<!-- Deleted image removed: [[File:Westpac Express HSV-4676.jpg|thumb|MV ''WestPac Express'' (HSV-4676)]]  -->
In November 2008, Austal was awarded a contract to design and build the [[United States Department of Defense|US military's]] next-generation, high-speed [[catamaran]], the [[Spearhead-class expeditionary fast transport|''Spearhead''-class Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF)]], which was formerly called the Joint High Speed Vessel (JHSV). The contract was part of a larger programme potentially worth over US$1.6 billion.

As the prime contractor, Austal was to design and construct the first {{convert|103|m|ft|adj=on}} EPF, with options for nine additional vessels expected to be exercised between 2009 and 2013. Construction on the second ship started in September 2010. By the end of 2010, Austal had contracts for three ships, long-lead material contracts for two ships and options for five further ships, for a total of ten.<ref>[http://blog.al.com/live/2010/09/austal_starts_work_on_2nd_high.html Austal starts work on 2nd high-speed military transport ship]</ref>

The EPF is similar to the Austal-built {{MV|Westpac Express|HSV-4676|6}}, which the [[United States Marine Corps|US Marines]] had used since 2002.

The EPF can carry {{convert|635|t|ST|abbr=off|lk=on}}, {{convert|1200|nmi|km mi}} at an average speed of {{convert|35|kn|km/h mph}} and is able to unload at roll-on/roll-off discharge facilities. The vessels are {{convert|103|m|ft|abbr=on}} long, have a {{convert|28.5|m|ft|abbr=on}} beam with a crew of 22 to 40.<ref>[http://peoships.crane.navy.mil/FAQ_JHSV_vs_LCS.htm JHSV vs. LCS]{{Dead link|date=May 2017|fix-attempted=yes}}</ref>

The first four vessels were named {{USNS|Spearhead|JHSV-1|6}}, {{USNS|Choctaw County|JHSV-2|6}}, {{USNS|Millinocket|JHSV-3|6}} and {{USNS|Fall River|JHSV-4|6}}.<ref>[http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=56163 Construction Commences on First Navy Joint High Speed Vessel]</ref><ref>{{Cite press release |url=http://www.austal.com/en/media/media-releases/11-11-08/Austal-Celebrates-Keel-Laying-for-JHSV2---the-Choctaw-County.aspx |title=Austal Celebrates Keel Laying for JHSV2 – the "Choctaw County" |date=8 November 2011 |publisher=Austal |access-date=11 November 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120403145507/http://www.austal.com/en/media/media-releases/11-11-08/Austal-Celebrates-Keel-Laying-for-JHSV2---the-Choctaw-County.aspx |archive-date=3 April 2012 |url-status = dead}}</ref>

While the EPF can carry 300 Marines and their gear for up to four days, it is not expected to be survivable against enemy attack.<ref>[http://www.upi.com/Business_News/Security-Industry/2010/02/04/Austal-to-build-JHSVs-for-US-Navy/UPI-98501265322743/ Austal to build JHSVs for U.S. Navy]</ref>

In 2011, US Navy planners envisioned building up to two dozen of the EPF ships into the 2020s.<ref>Cavas, Christopher P. [http://webarchive.loc.gov/all/20180228040413/https://www.defensenews.com/story.php?i%3D6817725%26c%3DSEA%26s%3DTOP "JHSV Module Damaged at Ala. Shipyard."] ''Defense News'', 14 June 2011</ref>

===Cape-class patrol boats===
{{Main|Cape-class patrol boat}}
[[File:ADV Cape Otway & HMPNGS Francis Agwi at Austal shipyards in Henderson, Western Australia, October 2021 02.jpg|thumb|240px|Comparison of a Cape-class (left) and a Guardian-class patrol boat (right), both built at Austal shipyards in Henderson, Western Australia]]
In August 2011, Austal was awarded the contract for the design, construction and through-life support of the {{sclass2|Cape|patrol boat|1}}s for the [[Australian Customs and Border Protection Service]]. The eight, {{convert|58|m|ft|adj=on}} aluminium monohulls were delivered between March 2013 and August 2015.{{Citation needed|date=May 2017}}

In December 2015, Austal entered into a shipbuilding contract with the [[National Australia Bank]] to construct two further Cape-class patrol boats. The contract value is A$63 million. The two vessels will be delivered to the National Australia Bank in mid-2017 and chartered to the [[Australian Government]] for a minimum term of three years. Austal did a similar off-balance-sheet charter with ''Westpac Express,'' which was chartered to the US Navy for 13 years.<ref>{{cite press release|url= http://www.austal.com/news/expansion-cape-class-program|title=Expansion of Cape Class Program|publisher=Austal|date=13 December 2015|access-date=15 December 2015}}</ref>

In July 2018, the government of [[Trinidad and Tobago]] announced the acquisition of two Cape-class patrol boats. The vessels will enhance the border protection capabilities of the country in conjunction with the existing Coast Guard fleet, and will join six Austal Fast Patrol Craft acquired in 2009.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.austal.com/news/government-trinidad-tobago-announces-future-acquisition-two-austal-cape-class-patrol-boats|title=GOVERNMENT OF TRINIDAD & TOBAGO ANNOUNCES FUTURE ACQUISITION OF TWO AUSTAL CAPE CLASS PATROL BOATS|date=2018-07-29|work=Austal: Corporate|access-date=2018-07-31|language=en}}</ref>

In May 2020, six Evolved Cape-class patrol boats were ordered for the Royal Australian Navy. In 2022, a second order for an additional two vessels was made, and in 2023 a third order for a further two boats.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Navy to get new patrol boats to boost capability|url=https://www.defenceconnect.com.au/key-enablers/6023-navy-to-get-new-patrol-boats-to-boost-capability|last=Nicholson|first=Dylan|date=2020-04-30|website=defenceconnect.com.au|language=en|access-date=2020-05-02}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=New patrol boats to boost Navy capability|url=https://www.minister.defence.gov.au/minister/melissa-price/media-releases/new-patrol-boats-boost-navy-capability|last=Defence|first=Department of|date=2020-04-30|website=minister.defence.gov.au|language=en|access-date=2020-05-01}}</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20200502105415/https://www.asx.com.au/asxpdf/20200501/pdf/44hgqm5th90y1j.pdf Austal Australia Awarded $324 Million Contract to build Six Cape-Class Patrol Boats] Austal 1 May 2020</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20200501125338/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-05-01/shipbuilder-recieves-350-million-to-construct-navy-patrol-boats/12204238 Shipbuilder receives $350 million lifeline to construct six new patrol boats during Covid-19] ''[[ABC News (Australia)|ABC News]]'' 1 May 2020</ref>

===''Armidale''-class patrol boats===
{{main|Armidale class patrol boat}}
[[File:HMAS Armidale Darling Harbour.jpg|thumb|HMAS ''Armidale'' at [[Darling Harbour]]]]
Between June 2005 and February 2008, Austal delivered fourteen, {{convert|56.8|m|ft|abbr=on}} ''Armidale''-class patrol boats to the [[Royal Australian Navy]] for coastal defence. The boats were featured on the TV series ''[[Sea Patrol]]''.{{Citation needed|date=May 2017}}

===''P21''-class patrol boats===
{{Main|P21-class inshore patrol vessel}}
[[File:Armed Forces of Malta Inshore Patrol Craft, P24 - Flickr - sludgegulper.jpg|thumb|Maltese patrol boat ''[[P21-class inshore patrol vessel#P24|P24]]'']]
In 2009, the [[Maritime Squadron of the Armed Forces of Malta]] ordered four patrol boats from Austal.<ref name=ArmOrder>{{cite press release| url=http://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2009/fa-s023_09.html| title= Visit to Australia by Republic of Malta Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs The Hon Dr Tonio Borg| publisher=Australian Government - Department of Foreign Affairs| access-date=17 April 2009}}</ref> They were due to replace the ''Swift''-class patrol boats ''P23'' and ''P24'' which had been in commission since 1971 and the ''Bremse''-class patrol boat ''P32'' which had been in commission since 1992. The new vessels were built to Maltese specifications and were partly financed by the [[European Union]].<ref name=AustalExcellent2009-07-03>{{cite press release| url=http://www.austal.com/en/media/media-releases/09-07-03/Excellent-Relationship-Sees-Rapid-Patrol-Boat-Construction.aspx| title="Excellent Relationship" Sees Rapid Patrol Boat Construction| publisher=Austal| date=3 July 2009| access-date=15 October 2009| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140903080954/http://www.austal.com/en/media/media-releases/09-07-03/Excellent-Relationship-Sees-Rapid-Patrol-Boat-Construction.aspx| archive-date=3 September 2014|url-status = dead}}</ref>

The first two vessels were launched in October 2009.<ref name=TimesOfMalta2009-10-06>{{cite news| url=http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20091006/local/new-afm-patrol-boats-launched| title=New AFM patrol boats launched| newspaper=[[Times of Malta]]| date=6 October 2009| access-date=15 October 2009}}</ref><ref name=AustalDelivery2009-10-06>{{cite press release| url=http://www.austal.com/en/media/media-releases/09-10-06/Austal-Launches-Maltese-Patrol-Boats.aspx| title=Austal Launches Maltese Patrol Boats| publisher=Austal| date=6 October 2009| access-date=15 October 2009| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140903080950/http://www.austal.com/en/media/media-releases/09-10-06/Austal-Launches-Maltese-Patrol-Boats.aspx| archive-date=3 September 2014|url-status = dead}}</ref> All four vessels were delivered to [[Malta]] in late 2009, and commissioned in March 2010.<ref>{{cite news|title=Patrol boats to be commissioned on Thursday|url=http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20100316/local/patrol-boats-to-be-commissioned-on-thursday.298505|access-date=29 August 2014|work=[[Times of Malta]]|date=16 March 2010}}</ref>

===Yemeni Navy patrol boats===
[[File:US Navy 071002-N-5459S-113 Sailors assigned to guided-missile destroyer USS Bainbridge (DDG 96) consult with members of the Yemeni Coast Guard during their search and rescue operation for survivors off the coast of the Yemeni i.jpg|thumb|Yemeni Navy patrol boat]]
In 2005, Austal delivered ten high-speed patrol boats to the [[Yemeni Navy]], which are commercially hired out to protect private shippers.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.austal.com/index.cfm?objectid=4A4CDDF3-A0CC-3C8C-D95BED022AFE79B9 |title="Austal to Build 10 Naval Patrol Boats for Yemen." |access-date=17 November 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101120144642/http://austal.com/index.cfm?objectid=4A4CDDF3-A0CC-3C8C-D95BED022AFE79B9 |archive-date=20 November 2010 |url-status = dead}}</ref><ref>Knickmeyer, Ellen. [https://foreignpolicy.com/articles/2010/11/16/the_privateers_of_yemen "The Privateers of Yemen."] ''[[Foreign Policy Magazine]]'', 17 November 2010</ref>

===Omani Navy High Speed Support Vessels (HSSV)===
In early 2014, Austal announced it had been awarded a US$124.9 million contract for two High Speed Support Vessels (HSSV) for the [[Royal Navy of Oman]]. Both were delivered to the Omani Navy by late 2016.<ref>[http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1889 Austal contract for two 72m High Speed Support Vessels is for the Royal Navy of Oman] - Navyrecognition.com, 10 July 2014</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Oman receives second HSSV as Austal targets UAE|url=http://www.janes.com/article/63561/oman-receives-second-hssv-as-austal-targets-uae|publisher=Jane's 360|access-date=9 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160911073321/http://www.janes.com/article/63561/oman-receives-second-hssv-as-austal-targets-uae|archive-date=11 September 2016|date=9 September 2016|quote=The Royal Navy of Oman has received the second High Speed Support Vessel (HSSV) from Australian shipbuilder Austal.}}</ref> The HSSV has a catamaran hull design similar to the US Navy's Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF).

===Commercial and leisure vessels===
[[File:20090203-NWFF NF83.jpg|thumb|An ''Austal 48'' for [[New World First Ferry]] in Hong Kong and [[Macau]]]]
[[File:Villum Clausen 3, Ystad.jpg|thumb| MS {{ship||Villum Clausen}} was built and delivered in 2000 to [[Bornholmstrafikken]] on the Danish island of [[Bornholm]].]]
Austal is one of only two companies building fast multi-hull ferries between {{convert|60|and|120|m|ft|abbr=on}} long. In the early 1990s, the ferry industry was transformed with the introduction of large, high-speed catamarans with decks for vehicles. They quickly replaced most hydrofoil and hovercraft services as well as many monohull ferries. The popularity of the new type of multi-hull design led to many shipyards worldwide changing their production to build fast aluminium catamarans. 

Eventually capacity exceeded demand and by the end of the 20th century most builders of large fast cats had ceased production. Austal and its only competitor in this category, [[Hobart]]-based [[Incat]] survived the late 1990s industry collapse. The two companies continue to compete for orders of large multi-hull ferries of up to 11,000 [[gross tons]] with capacities of over 1,200 passengers and 400 vehicles.

On 20 August 2014, Austal announced the sale of Austal Hull 270, the company's {{convert|102|m|ft|adj=on}} trimaran stock vessel, to the [[Channel Islands|UK Channel Islands]]' ferry operator, [[Condor Ferries]], for A$61.5 million. It was renamed {{ship|HSC|Condor Liberation}}.  Modifications to the stock vessel were valued at approximately A$6 million, and was scheduled to enter service in Spring 2015. On 28 March 2015, the ship struck the quayside while attempting to dock in [[Guernsey]] on its second day in service. The damage was only minor and above the waterline. Since then, ''Condor Liberation'' has had a difficult period of operation with Condor Ferries, encountering numerous technical problems, weather cancellations and sustaining further damage to its hull whilst docked in [[Poole]] on 30 December 2015.<ref>{{cite press release |url= http://www.austal.com/us/media/media-releases/14-08-20/Sale-of-Stock-Boat-and-Customisation-Contract-Award.aspx |title= Sale of Stock Boat "Austal Hull 270", and Customisation Contract Award |access-date= 24 August 2014 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140826160704/http://www.austal.com/us/media/media-releases/14-08-20/Sale-of-Stock-Boat-and-Customisation-Contract-Award.aspx |archive-date= 26 August 2014 |url-status = dead}}</ref>

===Landing craft===
In November 2023, defence companies Austal and Birdon announced that they would be building landing craft. They would be built at the Henderson Shipyard in WA.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/birdon-selected-as-designer-for-landing-craft-medium-capability | title=Birdon selected as designer for Landing Craft Medium Capability - Australian Defence Magazine }}</ref>

==See also==
*''[[Alakai]]'' &  ''[[Huakai]]'' (Former [[Hawaii Superferry]] vessels, sold to the US Navy)
*[[Cotai Jet]]
*[[TurboJET]]
*[[Chu Kong Passenger Transport]]
*[[Pacific-class patrol boat]]

==References==
{{reflist|30em}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Austal}}
*[http://www.austal.com Austal official website]

[[Category:Shipbuilding companies of Australia]]
[[Category:Defence companies of Australia]]
[[Category:Companies established in 1988]]
[[Category:Manufacturing companies based in Perth, Western Australia]]
[[Category:Companies listed on the Australian Securities Exchange]]
[[Category:Australian brands]]