Aussie builder excited by Dubai prospects

Headquartered near Perth, Western Australia, the Austal Group is the country's largest shipbuilder employing some 1200 people, turning over around US$250 million per annum and operating four shipyards - three in its home country and another in the United States.

Each year these shipyards produce a diverse range of vessel types - from luxurious motor yachts, through smaller, more affordable live-aboard vessels for both private and commercial roles, to some of the world's fastest ferries and even patrol boats for navies and coast guards. A common characteristic of all these vessels is their high quality and the fact that they are custom designed and built to perfectly match their customer's specifications. It's no surprise, then, that its customers include some of the world's most successful individuals and organisations - names like international golfer Greg Norman, the Australian and US governments and international hotel chains like Four Seasons.

Securing the participation of Austal is thus a major coup for the Dubai International Boat Show, and reflects the high regard with which the event is held by the international marine industry. Austal's Marketing Manager, Mr Andrew Jeffs, says that the decision to exhibit was prompted by the considerable potential for sales of the company's products in the region.

"We believe there are significant opportunities here, not only for the private vessels we build but also our commercial and defence vessels," he said.

"We feel that the Dubai International Boat Show, while obviously focussed towards the pleasure boat market, will also attract those with a professional interest in the marine industry. That combination has definitely attracted us to the show, and we have high expectations of making good contacts for all our product lines."

For the seriously wealthy private buyer, Austal's Oceanfast subsidiary offers the ultimate in motor yacht luxury and comfort - a prime example being Greg Norman's new "Aussie Rules". Big enough to carry the golfer's 42 foot sportsfisher on the aft deck, the 69.5 metre beauty has been turning heads wherever it has travelled.

Austal's skills are also turned to less elaborate, but still custom built and very comfortable, private vessels aimed at buyers who want the advantages of a custom built yacht for a considerably smaller outlay.

Ranging up to 50 metres in length, these Image Marine vessels are built to the same high standards of engineering and fitout that have also seen similarly styled vessels operate with great success with a number of the world's leading marine tourism operators. Andrew Jeffs says this year's Dubai International Boat Show will be the first time these private Image Marine vessels have ever been actively promoted.

"In the past we've relied on word of mouth, and that has resulted in two orders already completed and a number of serious negotiations over the past couple of years, so were are really interested to see what response we get from visitors in Dubai ... and we think customers will be equally interested when they realise how much boat they can get for their money. I'd certainly encourage anyone who is looking at buying a production boat of 70 foot or more to come by the stand and see what we can offer in a custom-built boat, that is purpose and designed and built for their lifestyle and cruising grounds," he said.

As far as the commercial and government vessel side is concerned, the Austal name is already well known but Jeffs believes exhibiting in Dubai will help to boost its regional presence.

"Austal has been a global pacesetter in the fast ferry industry for over 15 years, to the point that today we are building the world's largest aluminium vessel - an incredible 127 metre (415 foot) trimaran that can carry over 1300 people and 300 cars at 40 knots," he said. "While we don't expect to come away with an order like that from the show, we think that many ferry and transport companies in the Middle East could profit from using some of our smaller designs which start from about 20 metres in length.

"With patrol boats and high speed vessels for the oil industry also in our portfolio, Austal is expecting a diverse range of visitors to our stand. The region around Dubai is an exciting place for us, and we are excited to be exhibiting at the Boat Show for the first time," he concluded.