Australian engineering company, Civmec, is to acquire shipbuilder Luerssen Australia from Naval Vessels Luerssen (NVL) for A$20 million.
This strategic acquisition marks a significant milestone in Civmec’s evolution as a sovereign Australian shipbuilder and will see the full ownership transfer of the Luerssen Australia business, including all assets, employees, and licences, subject to the satisfaction of conditions precedent.
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.
Civmec Chairman James Fitzgerald said: “This acquisition marks a defining moment in Civmec’s evolution as a sovereign shipbuilder. By bringing Luerssen Australia into the Civmec Group, we are not only strengthening our position in the defence sector but also accelerating the development of our end-to-end shipbuilding capabilities.”
“With a highly skilled workforce and established systems, we are well-positioned to deliver on current commitments and pursue future opportunities. Our focus now is on ensuring a seamless transition, maintaining program momentum, and building a platform for long-term growth in Australia’s naval shipbuilding industry.”
“We are excited to have the Luerssen Australia team join CDI and are looking forward to working directly with the Commonwealth. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the Commonwealth and NVL for their trust in Civmec to deliver such a significant program of works.”
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