Civmec acquires specialist naval shipbuilder

SHIPBUILDER Civmec has acquired 100% of Luerssen Australia, a subsidiary of Northern German shipyards headquartered in Bremen, Germany. 

In a notice issued to the Australian Stock Exchange, the West Australian shipbuilder, based in Henderson said it had entered into a binding agreement to acquire 100% of the shares in Luerssen Australia Pty Ltd (“Luerssen Australia”) from NVL Australia GmbH (NVL).  

Luerssen Australia Pty Ltd is a specialist naval shipbuilding company also headquartered in Henderson, with operations also located in South Australia.  

It was established to deliver the Royal Australian Navy’s Arafura Class Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) under the SEA1180 program. 

“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 ASX notice said. 

“The transaction strengthens Australia’s sovereign shipbuilding capability by consolidating design, construction, and operational expertise under a single, locally owned entity—enhancing national resilience and supporting long-term defence industry growth.” 

No external value was carried out for the acquisition, but plant and equipment was valued at $3.6 million. 

Completion date for the transaction was set at 1 July. 

The ASX notice went on to say the acquisition represents a pivotal step in Civmec’s long-term strategy to strengthen its position as a sovereign Australian shipbuilder.  

“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.”