(Image: Luerssen Australia. The Arafura class offshore patrol vessel (OPV) NUSHIP Eyre launch at the Osborne Naval Shipyard. NUSHIP Eyre is the second in the class of OPVs being built by Luerssen Australia.)

Australian engineering company, Civmec, is to acquire shipbuilder Luerssen Australia from Naval Vessels Luerssen (NVL) for A$20 million. The parties are working towards a target completion date of 1 July 2025.

It is the intent that, following completion of the Acquisition, Luerssen Australia Pty Ltd will be renamed to ‘Civmec Defence Industries Pty Ltd (CDI)’ as a wholly owned subsidiary of Civmec Limited.

By assuming full ownership of Luerssen Australia, Civmec consolidates its role in the SEA1180 Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) program, gaining direct control over program delivery, operational decision-making, and future capability development.

This Acquisition enhances Civmec’s ability to deliver end-to-end naval shipbuilding solutions, from design through to commissioning, and unlocks opportunities to drive production efficiencies, accelerate delivery schedules, and secure future shipbuilding contracts. It also fast-tracks the development of Civmec’s sovereign shipbuilding capabilities by integrating Luerssen Australia’s experienced workforce, established systems, and technical know-how— enabling the Group to scale its defence operations and deliver five OPVs over the next 3.5 years.