Jeremy Rockliff,Minister for Advanced Manufacturing and Defence Industries
Tasmanian boat builder PFG Group has today launched a new class of fast sea boats firmly targeting defence market opportunities and further enhancing the state's global reputation in the defence industry.
PFG already supplies specialist high-performance boats to police forces here and interstate, as well as for the fisheries and aquaculture sectors, and is now looking to supply Australia's defence forces.
As Australia's only manufacturer of such vessels, the Sentinel class builds on Tasmania's long-time maritime legacy and embraces our reputation of quality and innovation in advanced manufacturing.
The vessels are durable, virtually maintenance free, provide a quieter and softer ride and reduces the fatigue and other safety risks to the vessel operators, offering a life span up to five times longer to alternative alloy and fibreglass hull boats.
PFG Group intends to actively put forward this range for future Royal Australian Navy tenders as the ADF continues its significant ship building plan which will see a massive range of new vessels enter service over coming years and decades.
Importantly, PFG Group's already employs more than 40 people locally and an expansion on their sales through the Sentinel will contribute to the economic and jobs boost we need as we recover from the impacts of COVID-19.
We are committed to empowering Tasmanian businesses to maintain, reclaim and grow our reputation in national and international marketplaces as we recover from COVID-19.
Our recently released Interim Trade Action Plan, and an additional $2.65M for trade development, is providing real support for our manufacturers and exporters.
