Civmec Takes the Helm: Acquires Luerssen Australia, Strengthens Shipbuilding & Workforce Expansion
Key Highlights from the Acquisition
- Deal value & timeline: Civmec is acquiring Luerssen Australia for A$20 million, with expected close by July 1, 2025.
- Full integration: The deal includes all assets, skilled employees, licenses and systems, with the former Luerssen Australia being rebranded as Civmec Defence Industries Pty Ltd (CDI).
- Program leadership: This consolidates Civmec’s role in the SEA 1180 Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) program, delivering full end-to-end shipbuilding capabilities — from design to commissioning.
About Luerssen Australia & Civmec
- Luerssen Australia (a subsidiary of Germany’s Lürssen) was contracted to build six Arafura-class OPVs for the Royal Australian Navy under the SEA 1180 program. Their expertise lies in naval and coastguard vessel design, manufacture, and sustainment.
- Civmec, founded in 1990 and headquartered in Henderson, WA, is a leading construction, engineering and shipbuilding company. With major facilities in WA and branches across Australia, Civmec delivers heavy engineering solutions across energy, resources, infrastructure and defence. Its Henderson yard houses the southern hemisphere’s largest fabrication plant.
What This Means for Australia & Civmec
With direct control over Luerssen Australia’s workforce and systems, Civmec is poised to deliver five OPVs within 3.5 years, improving production efficiency and schedule certainty.
- Positioning for Future Frigate Programs
Australia is planning a new-generation frigate build (11 ships in total, with eight in WA). Civmec — now fortified by Luerssen’s design and build capabilities — is strongly positioned to bid for this next mega project.
- Sovereign Capability & Local Jobs
Integrating Luerssen Australia solidifies Australia’s sovereign shipbuilding footprint. It secures hundreds of local jobs at Henderson (WA) and Osborne (SA), and sets the stage to ramp up defence sector employment.
- Stronger Market Position & Financial Upside
Analysts note this acquisition enhances Civmec’s revenue pipeline, with added defence-sector upside. The combined operations create a fully integrated shipbuilder — design, production, sustainment — under one Aussie-owned roof.
Career Opportunities Ahead
- Opportunities upgraded: Expect demand to rise in roles spanning naval architecture, marine engineering, production planning, and shipyard operations. Craft, welding, piping, electrical and instrumentation roles will all scale up.
- Growth in skilled pathways: With CDI now part of Civmec, there’s a bolstered training environment, access to multi-discipline teams and exposure to high-tech defence projects.
- Stay tuned: As Civmec moves into new shipbuilding contracts, career prospects will extend well beyond OPVs into future frigates and support vessels.
🔎 Want to Join the Journey?
Explore current opportunities and become part of Australia’s sovereign shipbuilding future — visit the Civmec career page on Construction Jobs Australia.
🔮 The Future is Expanding
- Upcoming projects: Beyond OPVs, Civmec aims to bid on the upcoming multi-billion-dollar frigate program with a ready-built platform — combining local shipyards, design capability and supply chain readiness.
- Sustainable growth: As CDI integrates operations, expect tighter delivery timelines, improved cost control and deeper technical knowledge within their workforce.
- Regional impact: Increased activity at Henderson and Osborne will have ripple effects — boosting suppliers, specialised trades and regional economic development.
Why It Matters
This isn't just a corporate acquisition — it's a transformative step in Australia’s defence strategy, empowering a homegrown champion to lead major naval construction, safeguard national interests and open a wave of skilled job opportunities.
Work Smart, Work Safe!