Australia: Williamstown Shipyard’s Future Depends on New Orders

The future of the Melbourne-based  Williamstown naval shipyard depends on the ability of the shipyard to keep the orders coming, since the company owner BAE Systems is considering closure or even scrapping of the shipyard if it fails  to secure naval work beyond 2015, The Australian writes.

Various steps are being discussed in order to keep the shipyard open, nevertheless this might mean significant reduction in labor force that includes 1,100 workers currently employed at the shipyard.

The Australian Manufacturing Workers Union (AMWU) has voiced its concern about the workers and has called the federal government to arrange a meeting and discuss the future of jobs at Williamstown shipyards, Australian Logistics Magazine informed.

Aware of the opportunities in the naval shipbuilding market, AMWU urged last month for the designated budget funds for shipbuilding and maintenance of the 48 vessels to be spent in Australia, so as to keep the shipyards up and running.

BAE Systems at Williamstown in Victoria is currently  building the Australian’s first Landing Helicopter Dock ship,

[mappress]
Shipbuilding Tribune Staff, April 23, 2013; Image: BAE