Forgacs Marine and Defence Shipyard Expansion and Industry Impact

Forgacs Marine and Defence has been a major player in the shipbuilding industry for decades. The company's expansion plans are expected to boost its capacity by 30%.

The shipyard's growth will have a significant impact on the local economy, creating new job opportunities and stimulating economic growth in the region. This is a welcome development for the community, which has been affected by the economic downturn.

The expansion will also enable the company to take on larger and more complex projects, including the construction of offshore patrol vessels and mine countermeasure vessels.

Forgacs Shipyard has a rich history, dating back to 1957 when it was founded by John Laverick as Carrington Slipways. The shipyard was originally located in Carrington, but it moved to Tomago in 1972 due to the need for larger premises.

The shipyard was purchased by Forgacs Engineering in 1997. It's worth noting that the shipyard has a strong track record of building ships, having built 45 ships between 1957 and 1968.

Here are some key facts about the Forgacs Shipyard:

The shipyard has a significant presence in the region, with the Tomago yard being located on the Hunter River. It's been involved in building several notable ships, including First Fleet-class ferries.

Forgacs Marine and Defence has launched a $80 million, seven-hectare shipbuilding facility in Western Australia, primarily targeted at securing Naval Defence projects.

The facility features an undercover 'hall' 200 metres long by 135 metres wide, and a central bay 65 metres high, which is big enough to put a Future Frigate or Air Warfare Destroyer under cover.

The site will be located to the south of the existing Civmec facility in Perth and is expected to generate work for around 1,000 staff and an additional 100 apprenticeships and graduates.

Forgacs Marine and Defence has partnered with ASC Shipbuilding to work on the project, and they will also explore opportunities related to the development of other minor war vessels for the Royal Australian Navy and export markets.

The joint venture will work on constructing the OPVs by utilising the skills and expertise of the European ship designers, with two of the 12 OPVs to be developed at ASC Shipbuilding's facilities in South Australia, and the rest at Civmec / Forgacs' facilities in Western Australia.

Curious to learn more? Check out: United States Committee on the Marine Transportation System

Forgacs Marine and Defence has launched a new shipbuilding facility in Western Australia, with a massive undercover hall that's 200 meters long and 135 meters wide.

This facility will be primarily targeted at securing Naval Defence projects and will be located south of the existing Civmec facility in Perth.

The central bay inside the hall is 65 meters high and can accommodate a Future Frigate or Air Warfare Destroyer (AWD) under cover.

There's nowhere else in Australia that can do that, making this facility a game-changer for the country's shipbuilding industry.

The facility will be able to accommodate around 1,000 workers at its peak and will generate work for an additional 100 apprenticeships and graduates.

The site is expected to be completed within three years, with construction beginning in March 2017 and completion by late 2019.

The facility will be available for both Naval and non-Naval shipbuilding, as well as ship maintenance, making it a versatile and attractive proposition for the industry.

Here's a breakdown of the facility's key features:

In a significant development, Forgacs and ASC Shipbuilding have been jointly selected by shortlisted designers to work on their bids for the project.

They will work together to explore opportunities related to the development of other minor war vessels for the Royal Australian Navy and export markets.

A joint venture between Forgacs and ASC will be set up if the tender is successful, which will work on constructing the OPVs by utilizing the skills and expertise of the European ship designers.

The joint venture will be a key factor in the success of the project.

Two of the 12 OPVs will be developed at ASC Shipbuilding's facilities in South Australia, while the rest will be manufactured at Civmec / Forgacs' facilities in Western Australia.

This distribution of manufacturing will help to ensure the timely completion of the project.

Forgacs Marine and Defence has a long history of innovation, dating back to its founding in 1921. The company has been at the forefront of shipbuilding and repair for nearly a century.

Their expertise in designing and building naval vessels is evident in their work on the Collins-class submarines, which have been in service since the 2000s. These submarines are a testament to the company's capabilities.

Forgacs Marine and Defence has also made significant contributions to the Australian Defence Force through their work on various naval projects. Their expertise in shipbuilding and repair is unmatched.

The company's commitment to innovation is reflected in their use of advanced technologies, such as 3D printing and simulation tools. These technologies have enabled them to improve the efficiency and quality of their work.

Their partnership with the Australian Defence Force has led to the development of advanced naval vessels, including the Hunter-class frigates.

ASC Shipbuilding and Forgacs Marine and Defence have teamed up to jointly bid for the construction of 12 offshore patrol vessels for the Royal Australian Navy.

This partnership is a result of a Memorandum of Understanding announced on March 20 by Civmec, a parent company of Forgacs.

ASC Shipbuilding and Forgacs will work with two of the three shortlisted designers, B.V. Scheepswerf Damen Gorinchem of the Netherlands and Lürssen Werft GmbH & Co. KG of Germany, on their bids for Project SEA 1180.

The two companies will also explore opportunities to build other minor war vessels for the RAN and export markets.

Both ASC Shipbuilding and Forgacs have agreed to share intellectual property regarding shipbuilding and steel fabrication.

If the tender is successful, ASC Shipbuilding and Forgacs will form a 50:50 joint venture to build the OPVs, utilizing the expertise of the experienced ship designers from Europe.