Launches Aussie Rules

Austal
A good sound company in this current world environment ,,
Has recently opened up in U.S and sold a ship to U.S.Defence department and new orders could be possible ,
just finishing “The Sharks” new luxury boat here in Perth which will cruise the world and guarantee more orders of its type

Check the details for yourself at http://www.austal.com/
52-Week Range: 111-170

Current Bid: 133
Current Ask: 133
Total Class Issue: 192,911,873

Net Tangible Assets ($/share): -
Code: ASB Div. Payable Date: 25-Oct-2002
Open: - Ex. Div. Date: 14-Oct-2002
Day High: - Franked Pct: 100%
Day Low: - Status: Normal
Trades: 0 Earnings/Share: 16.3
Volume: 0 Div. Rate/Share: 5
Value: $0 P/E: 8.16
Market Cap (Undiluted): 256,572,791



Shipbuilder gets bites from Shark deal
From The Australian


AS construction of an $80 million motorised yacht for golfer Greg Norman nears completion, West Australian boatbuilder Austal Ships is counting the benefits of its most high-profile assignment.

Three new orders for similar luxury launches have been placed by overseas buyers, and the company is competing strongly for the federal Government's $300 million patrol boat contract.

Austal is up against two tough competitors, Tenix -- a ship-building company that has hired the services of former defence minister Peter Reith to provide "strategic guidance" -- and Australian Defence Industries.

Austal managing director Bob McKinnon said yesterday that Norman's 69.5m yacht Aussie Rules, due to be launched in October, had lifted the company's profile.

"Austal has for many years been well-known as a leader in the manufacture of ferries, but this boat really gave us a lot of profile around the world and showed these guys can build anything," he said.

"The world's yacht-buyers are now saying, 'Well, if Greg Norman will buy a boat from these guys ... they must have something'."

Aussie Rules will be the world's biggest private luxury aluminium yacht when its hull is lowered into the water in about three months.

The 900-tonne yacht, designed for 12 guests and 14 crew, features a large sundeck, cinema, observation lounge, bar, gym and jacuzzi, as well as 200 fishing rods, a fleet of jet skis, kayaks and scuba diving facilities.

It has five levels, seven different tender vessels -- including a $600,000 custom-made sports fishing boat -- and can travel for three months without refuelling or getting fresh supplies.

Mr McKinnon said the three new contracts secured by Austal since the Norman commission two years ago were already under construction.

He said Austal was well-placed to win the contract to build replacements for the Fremantle-class patrol boats, which will be announced by the end of the year.

"We have got proven capability across a whole range of different sorts of vessels ... and we are the commercial yard in this whole deal," he said. "That means we can build on time and on budget."

Austal has already built patrol boats for Australian customs as well as a 101m high-speed commercial vessel for the US Marines

















Austal USA Sells Third Vessel into New York Market

AUSTAL LIMITED 2002-09-26 ASX-SIGNAL-G

HOMEX - Perth

+++++++++++++++++++++++++
43 METRE PASSENGER FERRY FOR CIRCLE LINE-STATUE OF LIBERTY FERRY,
INC.

Representing the third contract signed for the New York market in six
months, Austal Limited subsidiary, Austal USA has secured an order
for a 43 metre passenger catamaran for well-established New York
operator, Circle Line-Statue of Liberty Ferry, Inc.

Valued at approximately A$12 million, the high speed aluminium ferry
will transport 600 passengers at a speed of up to 29 knots, providing
harbor sightseeing cruises, evening dinner cruises and longer
distance runs.

Austal Managing Director, Mr Bob McKinnon said the contract was
another step in Austal becoming a major supplier of aluminium vessels
to the US domestic market.

"This order is another significant achievement for Austal USA,
indicating that our forecast demand for high speed aluminum ferries
in the US is being realised, Mr McKinnon said.

"Austal USA continue to develop skills and expertise with these new
builds, positioning them well to continue to win orders for this type
of craft and larger vessels."

The success in securing orders to date has prompted Austal USA to
substantially increase its sales capability to capitalise on the
company's growing reputation in North America.

The planned expansion of shipbuilding facilities at Austal USA will
enable the yard to build larger defence and commercial vessels such
as the 86 metre catamaran now under construction at Austal's WA
facilities for operation across Lake Ontario between Rochester, New
York State and Toronto, Canada.

"As well as being attractive contracts in their own right, each one
of these orders further enables us to develop our US capabilities,"
Mr McKinnon added.

Circle Line transports thousands of passengers each day to the Statue
of Liberty and Ellis Island and the new 43 metre catamaran will be
their first aluminum fast ferry, designed to meet Circle Line's
requirements for a vessel capable of fulfilling a number of different
roles.

Commenting on the new contract, Circle Line's Chief Executive
Officer, Mr Kevin Moran said, "This new vessel gives Circle Line the
flexibility to provide an all-encompassing fleet to better serve the
expansion of waterborne entertainment and transportation in the New
York harbour."

The catamaran is scheduled to enter service in early July 2003 and
the New York operator has an option to purchase a second vessel from
Austal USA.

For further information:
Bob McKinnon, Managing Director, Austal Limited
OR
Claire Stannard, Public Relations Co-ordinator
Tel: 61 8 9410 1111, Fax: 61 8 9410 2564, After Hours: 0439 968 516
Email: [email protected]
www.austal.com



Change in substantial holding from CBA

AUSTAL LIMITED 2002-09-11 ASX-SIGNAL-G

HOMEX - Perth

+++++++++++++++++++++++++
Commonwealth Bank of Australia increased its relevant interest in
Austal Limited on 05/09/2002, from 10,775,543 ordinary shares (5.59%)
to 12,669,030 ordinary shares (6.57%).


Sells First Vehicle-passenger ferry to North America

AUSTAL LIMITED 2002-09-06 ASX-SIGNAL-G

HOMEX - Perth

+++++++++++++++++++++++++
Austal Limited subsidiary, Austal Ships is pleased to announce the
signing of a contract with private company, Canadian American
Transportation Systems (CATS) for an 86 metre high-speed catamaran.

Valued at approximately A$80 million, the vessel will provide a new
service route between Rochester and Toronto across Lake Ontario,
connecting the United States and Canada.

Austal Managing Director, Bob McKinnon said the contract has the
potential to open more markets for Austal vessels in North America.


"This is the first Austal vehicle-passenger ferry for North America
and I am certain this vessel will make a strong impression in a
market with further potential," Mr McKinnon said.

"While diversification remains important to Austal Group performance,
our ability to continue to win large orders like this contributes to
our international reputation as a market leader for this type of
vessel."

"This contract comes at a time when the United States Military is
seriously considering a range of options involving the use of
high-speed vessels and this contract can only serve to further
demonstrate the capability of Austal," he said.

Due for delivery in August 2003, the vessel will operate at a speed
of approximately 40 knots for the two-and-a-half-hour journey and
will have the capacity to carry 774 passengers and 238 cars

AUSTAL LIMITED 2002-08-30 ASX-SIGNAL-G

HOMEX - Perth

+++++++++++++++++++++++++
ANZ Banking Group Limited became a substantial shareholder in Austal
Limited on 30/04/2002 with a relevant interest in the issued share
capital of 16,050,284 ordinary shares (8.32%).

] Austal net up 110pc to $30.4m; final dividend 5c
11:10, Tuesday, 20 August 2002

Sydney - Tuesday - August 20: (RWE) - Austal Ltd lifted net
profit 109.6 per cent to $30.37 million in the 12 months to June 30 from
$14.49 million for the previous year.
Revenues for the WA shipbuilder were up 76.6 per cent to $343.6
million from $194.5 million.
Earnings per share were 16.3c, up from 9.1c.
Final dividend is a fully franked 5c, payable on October 25 to
shareholders registered October 18.
This is the company's first dividend since 2000.
Managing director Mr Bob McKinnon said the performance was in
line with prospectus forecast.
"The past financial year has been pleasing with the results of
our product diversification evidenced by the range of deliveries made
and orders secured," Mr McKinnon said.
"The success of the 101-metre theatre support vessel with the US
Marines has opened up other opportunities for military applications with
the US defence.
"The interest in these vessels bodes well for the future of
Austal USA," he said.
While the market for large vehicle-passenger ferries remained
lower than desired, opportunities in the military vessel and luxury
motor yacht markets offered potential for future growth of the group.
Austal rose 6c to $1.29.