Media releases
Thursday, 24 October 2002 - MVT132/2002
Incat Riding a Wave of Ship Exports to the US
Incat's announcement that it will supply a third ship for service
with the United States military is good news for Australia's ship
building industry and provides a new sense of hope to Incat's Tasmanian
employees and their families, Trade Minister Mark Vaile.
"Incat's lease of a third vessel to support the US Navy Mine Warfare
Command demonstrates the high regard in which Australian shipbuilding
technology and expertise are held within the US military," Mr Vaile
said.
"The decision to choose Incat to supply this vessel further underlines
the close civilian, commercial and military relationship between Australia
and the United States.
"Incat's announcement comes on top of a lease a couple of weeks ago
to the US Army Tank and Automotive Armaments Command (TACOM).
"This deal cements Australia's reputation as the world's leading
supplier of fast large catamarans, particularly for military use.
"This was amply demonstrated in East Timor in 1999 when HMAS Jervis
Bay provided critical logistical support to the Interfet multinational
peacekeeping force led by the Australian Defence Force."
Mr Vaile said he was confident that the successful performance of
these vessels and the integration of amphibious and helicopter operations
facilities would see the supply of further ships to the US Military
and to commercial operators.
Media Contact: Andrew Ethell +61 02 6277 7420
Local Date:
Friday, 21-Nov-2008 17:24:55 EST
