First Keel Laying for Royal Australian Navy Hobart Class Destroyer

September 6, 2012 marked the start of the consolidation phase of the Royal Australian Navy Air Warfare Destroyer (AWD) project with the laying of the first keel at Techport Australia in Adelaide.

AWD Alliance CEO Rod Equid said the first keel laying is a significant milestone in the AWD project as it marks the start of the next phase in the delivery of three world-class warships to the Royal Australian Navy.

“It’s an exciting time with work on the AWD project progressing well. From today we will see steady progress on consolidation of the first ship with its hull due for completion on the hardstand within 15 months.”

“BAE Systems has delivered all seven blocks to AWD Shipbuilder ASC in Adelaide for Ship 1. Forgacs is expected to deliver seven blocks for Ship 1 before the end of the year.”

“Block fabrication work is now underway on all three ships at ASC Shipyard in Adelaide, Forgacs shipyards in Newcastle, BAE Systems shipyard in Melbourne and Navantia’s shipyard in Spain.”