Navantia and Australian DMO have signed a contract for the RRDS (Risk Reduction Design Study) of the programme SEA1654. This details the construction of two AOR logistic ships.
The signature of the contract took place in Garden Island Naval Base, with the presence of Admiral Purcell and Patrick Fitzpatrick, from DMO. The commercial director of Navantia, Gonzalo Mateo-Guerrero and the director of Navantia Australia, Francisco Barón were also present.
The contract, which will last approximately eight months, intends to study the design of the BAC ‘Cantabria’, which has been built by Navantia for the Spanish Navy within Australian specific requirements.
This phase means the beginning of the programme, which will see the acquisition of two AOR logistic ships, in which Navantia has been preselected, together with DSME from Korea. After this phase, the Australian Government will start the final part for the construction of the ships, issuing the request for proposal.
The agreement is a new important milestone and shows the relevance of Australia as a strategic client for Navantia.