For over thirty six years , Austal has been at the forefront of Australian shipbuilding. From its beginnings crafting fishing vessels, the company has grown into a global leader in lightweight, high-performance ships. Today, with a workforce of nearly 5,000 spread across several countries, including a significant presence in the U.S., Austal has firmly established itself in both the commercial and defence sectors. Despite its international footprint, Austal remains deeply connected to its roots as an Australian manufacturer, with around 1,000 employees on home soil, in Western Australia, Queensland and the Northern Territory.
Austal’s success lies not only in its global reach but also in its dedication to customisation. Unlike other shipbuilders who offer standardised models, Austal specialises in bespoke vessels tailored to specific client needs. With ships delivered to more than 120 operators in 60 countries, Austal has earned a reputation for excellence by working closely with clients to create designs that meet their precise requirements. The company’s in-house team, which boasts an astounding 3,000 combined years of shipbuilding experience, collaborates intensively with clients, ensuring every detail aligns with operational demands.
One of Austal’s most significant achievements has been pioneering the use of aluminium in large vessel construction. This material offers numerous advantages that make it ideal for maritime applications. As Brent Carey, Head of Supply Chain at Austal Australia, explains: “Aluminium’s lightweight. It’s easy to work with… it’s less likely to corrode… it’s more resilient.” Weighing only about a third of steel, aluminium reduces the overall weight of vessels which boosts fuel efficiency—an important factor for both commercial and defence clients.
Aluminium’s natural corrosion resistance also means it forms a protective oxide layer, eliminating the need for extensive painting and coating. This property not only extends the vessels’ lifespan but also lowers maintenance costs. Austal’s experience with aluminium is apparent in its production process, which transforms raw aluminium sheets into operational ships in approximately 15 months. The complexity of their work is perhaps best illustrated by the Evolved Cape-class Patrol Boats under construction for the Royal Australian Navy; each containing around 50,000 individual components. Every phase of construction, from handling raw aluminium to the intricate assembly of components, reflects the dedication and skill of Austal’s workforce. As Matt Klingberg, Sales Operations Manager at Austal Australia proudly states, “They’re highly skilled and very dedicated to Austal. A lot of our team have been here a long time.”
This deep sense of pride and commitment permeates Austal’s culture, creating an environment where every employee is invested in the quality of the product. Seeing a vessel take shape from raw materials to a finished product fosters a profound sense of accomplishment within the team—a collective pride in their work that clients notice and appreciate.
An essential partner in Austal’s journey has been Capral, Australia’s largest aluminium supplier. For more than 25 years, Austal has relied on Capral’s expertise and consistent quality to meet the stringent demands of shipbuilding. “We’ve used Capral for over 20 years,” says Matt Klingberg, “it’s about relationships, and with Capral, we’ve had a great relationship for a long period of time, and I expect one that will continue.”
This longstanding relationship speaks volumes about the mutual trust and respect between the two companies.
Capral supplies Austal with a variety of aluminium products, including both sheets and complex extrusions, many of which meet rigorous DNV certification standards. The reliability of these materials is critical to Austal’s ability to deliver high-quality vessels on schedule. But Capral’s contribution goes beyond just materials. For Austal, Capral is a partner who understands the unique challenges of shipbuilding. As Brent Carey points out, “One of the important parts about Capral is our strategic agreement… it’s that long-term relationship we have with them. It’s nice to have a supplier where we can share a vision, share values, they understand our needs, and we can build a mutual relationship that’s best for both parties.” This alignment of values has fostered a true partnership, where both parties work towards shared goals.
The partnership between Austal and Capral is also characterised by open communication and accessibility. Austal appreciates being able to connect directly with key individuals at Capral, like Sarah, Nigel, or Luke, whenever support or problem-solving is needed. This accessibility enhances the collaboration, allowing Austal to address challenges promptly and maintain their rigorous standards of quality.
Austal’s use of aluminium also aligns with its vision for sustainable and efficient shipbuilding. Aluminium’s recyclability and the improved fuel efficiency of lighter vessels contribute to the company’s sustainability efforts, an increasingly important factor for clients around the world. With Capral’s continued support, Austal is well-positioned to advance its innovative shipbuilding approach and expand into new markets, including recent ventures in steel vessel construction.
As Austal continues to evolve, the enduring relationship with Capral remains a cornerstone of its manufacturing ecosystem. This collaboration demonstrates the power of shared values and mutual respect as two Australian companies work together to redefine what’s possible in shipbuilding. Through this partnership, Austal and Capral exemplify the potential of Australian manufacturing to make a global impact while staying true to their local heritage. Together, they share a vision of excellence, innovation, and sustainability—a vision proudly crafted with Capral.
