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Posted by Allen Newton
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31 Aug, 2026
LLOYD’S Register (LR) has won an $11 million contract from Austal Defence Australia to provide naval classification services for the Australian Army’s Landing Craft Medium (LCM) program, strengthening the classification society’s role in Australia’s expanding sovereign shipbuilding sector.
Under the agreement, LR will deliver classification, quality assurance and compliance services across the entire LCM build program, which will see 18 vessels constructed at Austal’s Henderson shipyard under the Commonwealth’s Strategic Shipbuilding Agreement.
The $1.029‑billion program is one of the Army’s largest maritime capability investments and a key component of Australia’s continuous naval shipbuilding strategy.
LR personnel will be embedded at Henderson for the duration of the build, working alongside Austal to verify construction activities and ensure quality processes meet agreed naval standards.
Steve McDowall, LR’s director of naval business Australasia, said the contract reflects the growing importance of independent assurance in Australia’s defence maritime programs.
“Australia is making a significant long‑term investment in sovereign continuous naval shipbuilding capability, and platforms such as the Landing Craft Medium are critical to that ambition,” Mr McDowall said. “We are proud to support Austal, Defence and the Australian Army by providing independent classification and assurance throughout the build program.”
David Lloyd, LR vice president naval and government business, said the agreement builds on LR’s long‑standing relationship with Austal and reinforces the organisation’s commitment to supporting Australia’s naval enterprise.
Austal Defence Australia executive general manager Gavin Stewart said LR’s involvement provides valuable assurance as the shipbuilder delivers the new fleet.
“Independent classification provides valuable assurance throughout the construction process and supports our commitment to delivering the highest‑quality capability for the Australian Army,” Mr Stewart said.
The contract adds to LR’s growing footprint in Australia’s naval sector, including involvement in the Hunter‑class frigate program and other new‑build and sustainment projects across the region.
