Competition heats up for $500m contract

By ELLEN READ

Tender documents are expected on May 26 for the Government's $500 million defence contract, dubbed Project Protector.

The six bidders on the shortlist were given the final details of the Government's requirements several weeks ago.

The contract is for new Navy ships, including two 35m inshore patrol ships, two 85m offshore patrol ships and a 130m multi-role ship.

With tender documents imminent, the shortlisted companies are competing for profile and attention.

Tenix, which built superstructures for the Anzac frigate project and is on the Protector shortlist, has just launched a new model coastguard vessel for the Philippines and is reinforcing its intention to build a large part of the defence contract at its Whangarei yard if successful.

And Taranaki's Fitzroy Engineering, which is part of a joint bid with the UK's Vosper Thornycroft, will hold a briefing about the British warship HMS Marlborough when it is in Auckland this week.

Project Protector tenders close in September and the successful bidder is expected to be announced early next year.

Widespread disgruntlement remains among local business and shipyard circles about the Government's decision not to include New Zealand content or build as a criteria for selection.

The shortlist

* BAE Systems (UK).

* Blohm & Voss (Germany).

* DSA (Australia/Netherlands).

* Singapore Technologies Marine (Singapore).

* Tenix Defence (Australia) in joint venture with Babcock New Zealand.

* Vosper Thornycroft (UK), in a joint venture with Taranaki's Fitzroy Engineering.