PRESS RELEASE
Philippine Embassy, Canberra
1 Moonah Place, Yarralumla, ACT 2600
www.philembassy.org.au *Tel. No. 02-6273-2535*
24 August 2026, Perth — Philippine Ambassador to Australia Antonio Morales paid an official visit to Austal’s shipbuilding facility in Henderson, Perth, Western Australia, to discuss its growing operations in the Philippines and opportunities to further strengthen maritime industry linkages between the Philippines and Australia.
Hosted by senior Austal executives James Stokes, President for Australasia, and Oliver Morton, Executive Vice President for Sales and Operations, the visit highlighted Austal’s growing investments and operations in the Philippines and the company’s contribution to the regional defense and maritime industry.
Austal officials provided an update on key programs and developments since Ambassador Morales’ previous visit to the facility in 2025. The Ambassador was briefed on Austal’s operations in the Philippines, which form an important part of the company’s regional and global operations, particularly in ship design, detailed engineering, construction, sustainment, and maintenance.
Austal reported growing international interest in sustainment and maintenance services based in the Philippines, as more vessels operate in or transit through the region.
The company also showcased a range of advanced commercial and defense vessels, highlighting the technical capabilities of its Philippine and regional teams. Design work is increasingly being shared between Australia and the Philippines, with more sophisticated detailed design and engineering activities being undertaken by Filipino teams.
Ambassador Morales commended Austal’s contribution to local employment, community engagement, and disaster response initiatives in Cebu, particularly in the aftermath of Typhoon Tino in 2025. He also welcomed the company’s efforts to strengthen the Philippines’ participation in advanced shipbuilding, green technologies, and global maritime supply chains, while developing the skills and capabilities of Filipino workers for high-value maritime and manufacturing industries.
Austal also reported that it is further expanding its engagement with local schools, universities, and apprenticeship programs to develop the skilled workforce needed to support the growth of the maritime industry.
The Ambassador affirmed that the Philippines will continue to serve as a reliable and competitive base for high-skill, high-value maritime manufacturing and services.
The Ambassador also toured the facility to receive a briefing on Austal’s current operations and prospective developments at their Henderson site.
The visit underscored opportunities for further Philippines-Australia cooperation in shipbuilding, maritime services, defense industry, and skills development. END
