Minister for Defence Senator David Johnston today announced an Australian company had been awarded a multi‑million dollar contract to sustain Australia’s new Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD) ships.

Kellogg, Brown & Root Pty Ltd (KBR) has been awarded the key contract to provide Capability Support Coordinator (CSC) services for the LHDs over the next five years.

“KBR will bring their world-class asset management expertise to the sustainment of Australia’s new LHDs,” Senator Johnston said.

“This will ensure the vessels are always ready to meet their operational commitments, and maximise the availability of the ships throughout their 40-year lives.”

Senator Johnston said the two LHDs were the largest vessels constructed for Navy and the first, NUSHIP Canberra, was scheduled to be commissioned later this year.

Senator Johnston said the CSC contract contained a mix of fixed and tasked services budgeted at a price of more than $52 million over the five-year term of the contract.

“Importantly this contract has the potential to generate up to 50 new jobs in Sydney supporting the LHDs.”

Senator Johnston said the Government was committed to supporting the local ship building industry for a safe and secure Australia.

(Aus DoD)