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Austal has launched the tenth and final fast naval patrol boat ordered by the Republic of Yemen in June 2003.
They have been designed to meet a variety of operational requirements including general police missions in coastal waters; customs control and anti-terrorist operations at sea; offshore protection and tracking; surveillance of the Exclusive Economic Zone; defence and protection of national sea areas and operations within integrated task forces.
The patrol boat capabilities of Austal were first highlighted to the Yemen Ministry of Defence as part of an extensive requirements and worldwide market analysis carried out by an international strategic consultancy firm. Some 24 shipyards, including builders from Asia and eastern and western Europe were studied as part of this process. Impressed by Austal’s naval design capability, value for money and short delivery times the consultants identified the Australian builder as the preferred supplier.
Austal’s Sales and Product Development Manager Mr. Glenn Williams says Yemen is receiving a well-built, well-engineered and well-supported patrol boat fleet.
“Based on the eight Bay Class patrol boats Austal delivered to the Australian Customs Service in 1999/2000, these 37.5 metre deep V monohull patrol boats offer exceptional value for money by combining world best shipbuilding techniques and commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) equipment,” he said.
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