Aboitiz construction unit inks deal with Australian shipbuilder

MANILA, Philippines — Aboitiz Construction Inc. has officially entered into a partnership with the local unit of Australian shipbuilder Austal to bolster the latter’s bid to build six new offshore patrol vessels for the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Aboitiz Construction said the memorandum of agreement (MOA) signed with Austal Philippines affirmed the shipbuilder’s continued confidence in the company after it successfully designed, developed and constructed six assembly bays in Austal’s expanded shipbuilding facility in Balamban, Cebu.

The MOA inked by both parties indicates that Austal has identified Aboitiz Construction as the potential local subcontractor in the event that it succeeds in its bid.

The local construction company will also undertake the cutting and fabrication of the offshore patrol vessels steel hulls.

With its proven track record in fabrication and steelwork, Aboitiz Construction said it would help strengthen Austal’s bid by combining Australian marine technology and world-class Filipino workmanship.

The firm said it offers a competitive advantage because it operates a fabrication shop beside the Austal shipyard within the Balamban economic zone in West Cebu.

Austal Philippines president Wayne Murray is optimistic about the possible collaboration with Aboitiz Construction.

“Since 2011, Austal Philippines has become an integral partner of the global Austal Group in building revolutionary high-speed ships for governments, navies, and ferry and offshore operators around the world and we can contribute our expertise to help modernize the naval fleet of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. We believe that we can pursue the bid with Aboitiz Construction as our preferred local contractor for this endeavor,” Murray said.

Austal’s newly expanded assembly bays make it possible to have construction of offshore patrol vessels in the country.

Aboitiz Construction president and COO Alberto Ignacio assured Austal Philippines of its strong support given the firm’s many years of experience in fabricating hulls and other steelwork for clients in Japan, the US and Canada.

“Our record of repeat international orders throughout these years will show the quality and competitiveness of our fabrication services. We are equally optimistic about this partnership as we further demonstrate our growing capability as a trusted local contractor for international customers, further enhancing our brand promise to advance business and communities,” Ignacio said.