Building Trans-Tasman Maritime Capability: EHL Group Showcases Its Value During Taranaki Alliance Visits to Civmec and Austal in Henderson, Western Australia

Introduction

The future of maritime and defence shipbuilding in Australasia will be built on collaboration, specialist expertise, and integrated supply chains that connect capability across borders. Last week, Venture Taranaki’s newly established Taranaki Alliance led a delegation of industry representatives to Henderson, Western Australia, providing an invaluable opportunity for New Zealand engineering and manufacturing businesses to engage directly with some of Australia’s most significant maritime and defence infrastructure projects.

Representing EHL Group, Australian Manager Michael Byrne joined the delegation during visits to both Civmec and Austal, two cornerstone organisations within the Henderson Defence Precinct and the wider Australian Marine Complex. The visit provided first-hand insight into the scale, complexity, and future direction of Australian shipbuilding, while highlighting the significant opportunities available for specialist engineering partners capable of delivering niche, high-value solutions into naval, commercial, and marine projects. Civmec recently confirmed that the visit highlighted opportunities for New Zealand suppliers as part of the development of an increasingly integrated Australia-New Zealand defence industrial base.

While the Taranaki Alliance is designed to provide a coordinated gateway to the region’s industrial capability, the visit particularly reinforced EHL Group’s ability to contribute directly to future maritime and defence programs through its extensive engineering, hydraulic, mechanical, motion control and specialist gas system expertise.

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Henderson: Australia’s Expanding Maritime and Defence Hub

Few locations better demonstrate the future of Australasian shipbuilding than Henderson, Western Australia.

Home to the Australian Marine Complex (AMC), Henderson has become one of Australia’s most important maritime precincts, supporting naval construction, sustainment, offshore energy infrastructure, and commercial vessel production. Planned investment into the Henderson Defence Precinct is expected to further expand the region’s role in Australia’s long-term naval strategy, supporting new vessel construction, sustainment programs, and future defence capabilities.

For members of the Taranaki Alliance delegation, the visit offered valuable perspective on the scale required to support modern defence shipbuilding. One of the standout experiences was touring Civmec’s world-class manufacturing and shipbuilding facilities, including its enormous assembly hall capable of accommodating multiple offshore patrol vessels simultaneously. The facility’s scale reinforced the magnitude of Australia’s future shipbuilding commitments and highlighted the importance of robust specialist supplier networks that can support prime contractors across both sides of the Tasman.

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EHL Group’s Role in the Future of Shipbuilding

EHL’s Marine Hydraulic Systems: Enabling Performance, Safety and Reliability at Sea

Among the many specialist engineering disciplines supporting modern shipbuilding, hydraulic systems remain one of the most critical. From vessel access equipment and watertight doors through to lifting systems, actuation equipment, hatch covers and mission-critical operational systems, modern naval and commercial vessels rely heavily on robust hydraulic technology to perform safely in some of the world’s harshest operating environments.

For EHL Group, marine hydraulic systems represent a core area of expertise and one of the strongest opportunities arising from future Trans-Tasman shipbuilding programs.

Specialist Engineering for Maritime Environments

Marine hydraulic systems face challenges rarely encountered in conventional industrial applications. Equipment must operate reliably under constant exposure to:

• Saltwater and corrosive environments
• Dynamic vessel movement
• High vibration loads
• Extreme weather conditions
• Continuous operational demands
• Strict defence and maritime safety requirements

EHL’s engineering approach is built around delivering hydraulically powered systems that maintain performance, safety and reliability throughout the entire vessel lifecycle.

From concept development and detailed engineering through to manufacture, installation, commissioning and ongoing maintenance, EHL provides a complete solution for shipbuilders, vessel owners and sustainment providers.

Hydraulic Access and Boarding Systems

One of EHL’s most established areas within the maritime sector is vessel access systems.

These systems often rely on hydraulic actuation to enable safe deployment, stowage and operation of critical vessel infrastructure including:

• Accommodation ladders
• Gangways
• Embarkation platforms
• Access bridges
• Boarding systems
• Offshore transfer systems

For defence vessels, offshore support ships, ferries and commercial operators, dependable access equipment is essential not only for operational efficiency but also for crew and passenger safety.

EHL’s ability to design hydraulic actuation packages specifically tailored to vessel requirements provides shipbuilders with a trusted partner capable of delivering reliable, compliant and maintainable solutions.

Hydraulic Doors and Closure Systems

Modern vessels require numerous hydraulically operated doors and closures throughout the ship.

EHL’s capabilities extend to:

• Shell doors
• Bulkhead doors
• Watertight doors
• Weatherproof closures
• Equipment access hatches
• Machinery space access systems

These systems must perform flawlessly, often in emergency situations where personnel safety and vessel integrity are paramount.

EHL’s expertise in hydraulic actuation, control systems and mechanical integration ensures these critical components operate effectively while meeting demanding maritime and defence standards.

Hydraulic Power Units and Control Systems

At the heart of every marine hydraulic application is a well-designed hydraulic power unit (HPU).

EHL’s engineering capability includes:

• Custom hydraulic power unit design
• Hydraulic circuit development
• Filtration systems
• Pressure control systems
• Electro-hydraulic controls
• Remote monitoring solutions
• Control panel design and integration

By providing complete hydraulic packages rather than simply individual components, EHL can support shipbuilders seeking fully integrated solutions that minimise installation complexity and maximise operational reliability.

Naval and Defence Applications

As Australia and New Zealand continue strengthening maritime and defence collaboration, specialist hydraulic expertise will become increasingly important.

Many modern naval vessels utilise hydraulic technologies in:

• Mission-specific handling systems
• Deck machinery
• Launch and recovery systems
• Access systems
• Heavy lifting equipment
• Special purpose mechanical systems
• Infrastructure support equipment

EHL’s experience working within highly regulated industrial sectors positions the company well to support future defence and naval opportunities where quality assurance, traceability and long-term support are critical project requirements.

Sustainment and Through-Life Support

Shipbuilding is only the beginning of a vessel’s operational journey.

Many naval and commercial vessels remain in service for 20 to 40 years or more, creating significant demand for ongoing hydraulic maintenance, refurbishment and system upgrades.

EHL’s sustainment capabilities include:

• Hydraulic inspections
• System health assessments
• Preventative maintenance programs
• Cylinder refurbishment
• Hose and component replacement
• System troubleshooting
• Upgrades and modernisation projects
• Emergency breakdown support

This lifecycle approach aligns strongly with the growing focus on vessel sustainment programs throughout Australia’s expanding naval shipbuilding sector.

Specialist Gas Technologies

EHL’s specialist gas capabilities offer further opportunities within maritime sectors through:

• Nitrogen generation systems
• Oxygen generation systems
• Marine and industrial gas solutions

As naval and commercial vessels increasingly adopt advanced onboard systems, these technologies represent an emerging area where EHL can create significant value.

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Learning from Civmec’s Defence Manufacturing Excellence

The visit to Civmec was undoubtedly one of the highlights of the Taranaki Alliance delegation’s time in Henderson. For many participants, it provided a rare opportunity to witness first-hand the scale, sophistication and strategic importance of Australia’s growing naval shipbuilding industry.

As Civmec welcomed the Taranaki Alliance delegation to its Henderson shipyard and manufacturing hub, discussions focused on the increasingly important role that Australian and New Zealand industry can play in supporting a more integrated Trans-Tasman defence industrial base. The visit highlighted opportunities for New Zealand suppliers to participate in major naval programs while building long-term capability connections across both countries.

For EHL Group, the visit reinforced both the magnitude of Australia’s current defence investment and the significant opportunities available for specialist engineering companies capable of supplying high-value systems and services into complex shipbuilding programs.

Scale That Changes Your Perspective

While photos and project reports can provide some indication of scale, nothing quite prepares visitors for the enormity of Civmec’s Henderson facilities.

The delegation toured what is arguably one of the most impressive shipbuilding and heavy manufacturing facilities in the Southern Hemisphere. The company’s vast assembly hall, covering approximately 53,000 square metres and equipped with 20 overhead cranes and some of the world’s largest ocean-facing industrial doors, demonstrates the level of infrastructure required to support modern naval construction programs.

For EHL, the visit served as an important calibration of what future defence programs demand, not only in terms of physical infrastructure but also supply chain maturity, quality systems, project controls and specialist technical capability.

The lesson was clear: major shipbuilders do not operate in isolation. Their success depends upon trusted specialist suppliers capable of delivering engineered solutions that integrate seamlessly into larger vessel construction and sustainment programs.

Civmec’s Evolution into a Sovereign Australian Shipbuilder

One of the most significant developments discussed during the visit was Civmec’s continued expansion as a sovereign Australian defence shipbuilder.

In June 2025, Civmec announced the acquisition of Luerssen Australia from German shipbuilder Naval Vessels Lürssen (NVL) in a transaction valued at A$20 million. The acquisition transferred ownership of Luerssen Australia’s assets, licences, employees and operational capabilities to Civmec, significantly strengthening the company’s position within Australia’s naval shipbuilding sector.

The acquisition was widely regarded as a landmark step in the development of Australia’s sovereign shipbuilding capability. Civmec stated that the purchase would accelerate its transition from a major fabrication and construction contractor into a fully integrated naval shipbuilder capable of delivering end-to-end shipbuilding solutions, from construction through to commissioning and long-term support.

Under the new structure, Luerssen Australia was intended to become Civmec Defence Industries (CDI), providing Civmec with direct control of naval shipbuilding programs and future defence opportunities.

For companies like EHL, this evolution creates exciting opportunities. As Civmec takes greater ownership of vessel delivery and sustainment activities, demand for reliable specialist suppliers with proven engineering capability will continue to increase.

The Arafura Class Offshore Patrol Vessel Program

A key component of the acquisition is Civmec’s expanded role within the SEA1180 Arafura Class Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) program.

Originally managed through Luerssen Australia, the Arafura Class program is a cornerstone project within Australia’s naval shipbuilding strategy. The vessels are designed to undertake maritime patrol, border protection, fisheries enforcement, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief and security operations across Australia’s vast maritime domain.

Through the acquisition, Civmec assumed a greater level of responsibility for the ongoing delivery of the program and the remaining vessels under construction. The integration of Luerssen Australia’s workforce, technical systems and shipbuilding expertise is expected to enable Civmec to complete the remaining OPVs while further developing its sovereign naval shipbuilding capability.

For EHL, programs such as the Arafura Class highlight exactly where specialist engineering organisations can contribute value.

Modern offshore patrol vessels require a broad range of systems and equipment, including:

• Hydraulic access systems
• Shell and bulkhead door actuation systems
• Mechanical handling equipment
• Motion control technologies
• Maintenance and sustainment support
• Specialist gas generation technologies
• Inspection and lifecycle engineering services

These are capability areas where EHL already possesses significant experience across maritime, offshore, defence and industrial sectors.

More Than Just Shipbuilding

One of the most impressive aspects of Civmec is that shipbuilding represents only one part of a much larger industrial capability.

The wider Civmec Group has established itself as one of Australia’s leading integrated construction, engineering and manufacturing organisations, servicing a diverse range of sectors including:

• Defence
• Maritime and shipbuilding
• Mining
• Energy
• Oil and gas
• Minerals processing
• Infrastructure
• Heavy industrial construction
• Sustainment and maintenance services

The company operates extensive fabrication facilities across Australia and has built a reputation for delivering some of the nation’s largest and most complex industrial projects. This broader industrial experience provides Civmec with significant advantages when entering naval shipbuilding, drawing upon decades of expertise in steel fabrication, modular construction, project delivery and heavy engineering.

For EHL, there is a strong alignment between the industries served by both companies. EHL’s hydraulic, mechanical, specialist gas and motion control expertise is already utilised across many of the same industrial sectors, creating multiple touchpoints where future collaboration and supply chain participation may be possible.

What It Means for EHL

The Civmec visit reinforced an important reality about modern defence procurement and shipbuilding: success is built on partnerships.

Prime contractors require specialist engineering suppliers that can deliver proven technology, responsive support, certified quality systems and deep technical knowledge. The future opportunities are unlikely to be centred around building entire vessels; rather they will involve supplying the thousands of specialised components, systems and engineering services required to bring those vessels to life and support them throughout decades of operation.

EHL’s capabilities in marine hydraulics, access systems, lifting technologies, motion control, specialist gas systems and lifecycle support align strongly with the requirements of programs such as the Arafura Class OPVs and future naval construction projects.

As Civmec continues its transformation into one of Australia’s leading sovereign shipbuilders, supported by facilities at Henderson and its expanded defence capabilities through the Luerssen Australia acquisition, companies like EHL are well positioned to contribute to the next generation of maritime and defence projects emerging across the Australian and New Zealand region

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Exploring Opportunities with Austal: A Global Shipbuilding Success Story

The Taranaki Alliance delegation’s visit to Austal provided valuable insight into one of the Southern Hemisphere’s most successful and innovative shipbuilding organisations. While Henderson is widely recognised as a cornerstone of Australia’s naval shipbuilding capability, the visit reinforced that Austal’s influence extends far beyond Western Australia, with a global footprint spanning defence, commercial and advanced maritime technologies.

For EHL Group, the visit presented an opportunity to better understand not only Austal’s impressive Henderson operations, but also the broader ecosystem of global shipbuilding excellence that has positioned the company as a leader in both naval and commercial vessel construction.

A World-Class Shipbuilding Facility at Henderson

Austal’s purpose-built Henderson shipyard is one of Australia’s premier maritime manufacturing facilities. Located within the Australian Marine Complex, the site delivers comprehensive vessel design, engineering, fabrication, construction, fit-out, commissioning, sustainment and repair capabilities. The facility has evolved over decades into a highly efficient production environment that supports both defence and commercial vessel programs.

The Henderson operation employs advanced modular manufacturing techniques that enable large sections of vessels to be fabricated and assembled efficiently while maintaining stringent quality standards. This approach supports continuous shipbuilding programs and allows Austal to deliver complex vessels for clients around the world.

For members of the delegation, the visit highlighted the importance of precision engineering, strong supply chain partnerships and specialist subcontractor networks in delivering major maritime programs on time and to specification.

Global Reach and International Success

While Henderson remains the heart of Austal’s Australian operations, the company has grown into a truly international shipbuilder with facilities and operations across Australia, the United States, Asia and beyond. Austal vessels operate in more than 50 countries, serving defence, government, commercial ferry and offshore markets.

The company’s international success demonstrates how specialist expertise, advanced manufacturing and innovation can create opportunities on a global scale. For New Zealand businesses such as EHL, this serves as a valuable example of how local engineering capability can contribute to international maritime projects through strategic partnerships and supply chain integration.

Leadership in Naval Shipbuilding

Austal has established itself as one of the world’s most recognised naval shipbuilders, delivering vessels for defence forces including the Royal Australian Navy, United States Navy and a range of international maritime security agencies. The company continues to play a key role in Australia’s continuous naval shipbuilding strategy, including the construction of Landing Craft Medium and Landing Craft Heavy vessels under its Strategic Shipbuilding Agreement with the Australian Government.

The breadth of Austal’s naval portfolio includes:

• Patrol vessels
• Landing craft
• Littoral manoeuvre vessels
• Intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance platforms
• Uncrewed and autonomous surface vessels
• Defence support and special mission craft

These programs require extensive collaboration with specialist engineering suppliers capable of delivering systems, equipment and technical expertise that meet strict military specifications. This is precisely where companies such as EHL can provide value through hydraulic systems, motion control solutions, access equipment, specialist gas technologies and lifecycle support services.

Commercial Maritime Excellence

In addition to its defence success, Austal remains one of the world’s leading commercial shipbuilders. The company has delivered high-speed ferries, passenger vessels, offshore support vessels and specialised commercial craft for operators around the globe. Its vessels are renowned for combining performance, efficiency and reliability, helping establish Austal as a leading name in commercial maritime transportation.  

The commercial sector presents significant opportunities for specialist engineering companies such as EHL, particularly in areas including:

• Hydraulic access systems
• Passenger boarding solutions
• Mechanical handling systems
• Watertight and shell door systems
• Vessel maintenance and sustainment
• Retrofit and upgrade projects

As vessel operators increasingly focus on efficiency, safety and lifecycle performance, demand continues to grow for high-quality engineered systems and support services.

Expertise Across Aluminium and Steel Shipbuilding

One of the most notable aspects of Austal’s capability is its success across both aluminium and steel vessel construction.

Historically, Austal built a global reputation as an industry leader in aluminium shipbuilding, delivering lightweight, high-speed commercial ferries and advanced naval vessels utilising aluminium construction techniques. Its expertise in aluminium fabrication remains among the world’s best and has been a key competitive advantage across commercial and defence markets.

More recently, Austal has expanded its capability into steel shipbuilding, significantly broadening its capacity to participate in larger and more diverse naval programs. This dual-material capability positions Austal to support the evolving requirements of modern defence fleets, where both aluminium and steel vessels play important operational roles.

For EHL, this diversity is particularly relevant because many of the systems supplied by specialist engineering providers must integrate seamlessly regardless of hull material. Whether supporting aluminium patrol vessels or steel naval platforms, EHL’s hydraulic systems, access equipment, mechanical assemblies and specialist engineered solutions can be adapted to suit varying vessel classes and operational environments.

Opportunities for EHL Within the Austal Supply Chain

The visit reinforced that successful shipbuilding programs rely on an extensive network of trusted specialist suppliers.

While prime contractors such as Austal oversee vessel design and construction, the success of these projects ultimately depends on the quality, reliability and expertise of supporting partners. EHL’s proven capability in hydraulic engineering, marine access systems, lifting systems, motion control technologies and specialist gas solutions aligns strongly with the requirements of both naval and commercial vessel programs.

As Australia and New Zealand continue strengthening industrial collaboration under initiatives such as ANZAC 2035, opportunities will increasingly emerge for specialist Trans-Tasman suppliers to contribute to major maritime programs. The conversations and insights gained during the Austal visit demonstrated how companies like EHL can play a meaningful role in supporting future shipbuilding, sustainment and maritime infrastructure projects while helping develop a stronger, more integrated Australasian maritime industry

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The Value of Trans-Tasman Collaboration

One of the strongest messages emerging from the visit was the growing importance of Trans-Tasman collaboration.

As defence and maritime programs become increasingly sophisticated, there is growing recognition that capability should be sourced wherever the best expertise exists. This creates opportunities for New Zealand businesses with proven track records to contribute meaningfully to Australian programs and vice versa. The visit itself was positioned around strengthening opportunities for New Zealand suppliers and supporting greater industrial integration between both nations.

This is where the Taranaki Alliance provides added value.

By bringing together specialist engineering, manufacturing and industrial organisations under a coordinated framework, the Alliance creates a simplified pathway for larger contractors seeking access to regional expertise. While the Alliance serves as an important facilitator, it is ultimately the capability of individual companies such as EHL that will drive meaningful participation in future projects.

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Looking Ahead

The Henderson visits provided a valuable reminder that the future of shipbuilding depends not only on major infrastructure and prime contractors but also on the specialist companies that support them.

For EHL Group, the opportunity to engage directly with organisations such as Civmec and Austal reinforced the company’s ability to contribute across naval, commercial and offshore maritime sectors. With proven expertise in maritime access systems, hydraulic engineering, motion control technologies, specialist gas solutions and mechanical engineering, EHL is well positioned to support future shipbuilding and sustainment programs throughout Australia, New Zealand and beyond.

As the maritime and defence sectors continue to evolve under initiatives such as ANZAC 2035 and broader Trans-Tasman industrial collaboration, EHL remains committed to delivering innovative engineering solutions that help strengthen regional capability, improve vessel performance and support long-term industry growth.

The future of shipbuilding may be taking shape in Henderson, but specialist engineering partners like EHL will play a vital role in helping bring that future to life.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What was the purpose of the Venture Taranaki Alliance visit to Henderson?

The visit aimed to connect Taranaki engineering and manufacturing businesses with major Australian maritime and defence organisations, explore collaboration opportunities, and better understand future shipbuilding requirements across Australasia.

Which companies were visited during the delegation?

The delegation visited Civmec and Austal in Henderson, Western Australia, both of which play significant roles in Australia’s maritime, naval and defence industries.

Why is Henderson important to the shipbuilding industry?

Henderson is home to the Australian Marine Complex and the expanding Henderson Defence Precinct, making it one of Australia’s most important centres for naval construction, vessel sustainment and marine manufacturing.

How can EHL support shipbuilding projects?

EHL supports shipbuilding projects through specialist engineering solutions including hydraulic systems, motion control technologies, gangways, accommodation ladders, shell and bulkhead doors, lifting systems, mechanical engineering and specialist gas technologies.

What benefits does EHL bring to defence and maritime programs?

EHL offers proven engineering expertise, lifecycle support capabilities, custom-designed systems, safety-focused solutions and extensive experience delivering projects across marine, offshore, defence and industrial sectors.

What is the Taranaki Alliance?

The Taranaki Alliance is an industry-led initiative bringing together engineering, manufacturing and industrial businesses to provide a coordinated pathway for customers seeking capability from the Taranaki region.

What opportunities exist for New Zealand companies in Australian shipbuilding?

Growing Trans-Tasman collaboration, defence industry integration and expanding naval programs are creating opportunities for New Zealand suppliers to provide specialist products, engineering expertise and manufacturing support to major Australian projects.

solutions@ehlsolutions.com