Austal launched first patrol craft for Trinidad and Tobago

Austal has successfully launched the first of six 30 metre aluminium fast patrol craft being built for the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard at its Western Australian shipyard. Ordered in April 2008, construction of the vessels is currently ahead of schedule, with delivery expected in early 2010. Each vessel has a maximum speed of 40 knots, a range of 1000 nautical miles and will be armed with General Purpose Machine Guns and a 20mm cannon. Austal Business Development Manager – Defence, Jamie Robinson, said the speed at which the vessels were being constructed demonstrated Austal’s ability to deliver quality, multi-vessel orders in short periods. “Modern maritime security is increasingly typified by rapidly changing threats, so the speed at which suitable solutions can be delivered is an important consideration for many navies and coast guards,” Mr Robinson said. “These vessels add to Austal’s extensive track record in delivering small to medium size aluminium defence platforms on time and on budget, each designed to meet specific customer requirements,” he said. Once delivered, the vessels will support the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard in providing sustained surveillance in the country’s internal waters, the archipelagic territorial sea and its exclusive economic zone (EEZ). Following delivery, Austal will provide a five year comprehensive maintenance and support services program, which will include scheduled planned and preventative maintenance support, unscheduled maintenance, management and performance of annual surveys and maintenance periods as well as shore-based engineering support.