Unithai joins hands with Australian firm

Unithai joins hands with Australian firm

The Thai shipyard operator Unithai has formed a partnership with Austal, the Australia-based vessel specialist focusing on defence and commercial vessels operating in Asia-Pacific.

Unithai Shipyard and Engineering will share expertise and provide ship repair services for defence and commercial vessels in the region.

The two companies signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the cooperation yesterday.

Unithai will be Austal's preferred repair shipyard for US-owned commercial and defence vessels, such as the US Navy's littoral combat ships (LCS) and joint high-speed vessels (JHSV) that require repairs when operating near Thailand.

Austal is currently contracted to build ten 103-metre JHSVs under a US$1.6-billion contract and six 127-metre LCSs, four of which are part of a 10-ship, $3.5-billion contract. Austal has already delivered one LCS and one JHSV.

``We recognise that Unithai Shipyard is one of the largest integrated ship repair facilities in Southeast Asia, with a world-class reputation based on its high standards covering health, safety and the environment, and timely delivery,'' said Charles McGill, Austal's chief operating officer for service and systems.

Unithai Shipyard managing director Teerapon Udomkanjananan said the MoU is a milestone allowing Unithai to step forward and exchange experience and expertise with a defence prime contractor and shipbuilder. It is also vital to promote the shipyard industry in Thailand.

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