TWPG to locally build two new landing craft for Navy

Sydney, 25 July, Australia.

Australian specialist and tactical watercraft manufacturer, The Whiskey Project Group (TWPG), announced that the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) has selected a new Landing Craft Light (LCL) providing a faster and more capable craft for the Pacific Support Vessel ADV Reliant.

The two new all-aluminium LCL is larger than Navy’s long-serving Landing Craft Vehicle at 15.4 metres in length and will be built in TWPG’s yard in Yamba on the north coast of New South Wales.

TWPG Founder and Managing Director Darren Schuback said: “We’re excited to be building a faster and more capable landing craft for Navy, supporting a local on-site workforce and supply chain.”

“The LCL is from The Whiskey Project Group’s proven ‘Pioneer’ family of multi-purpose utility craft with enhanced capacity to endure rough conditions at sea and is powered by triple 300hp diesel outboard motors and capable of 26 knots in a fully loaded configuration.”

“The Whiskey Project Group’s mission has been to redefine tactical watercraft and create a new generation of stronger, safer and fit-for-purpose platforms, based on our own naval special operations experience, and we’re excited to be delivering these new craft for Navy.”

“The contracting of The Whiskey Project Group to build two Landing Craft Light for Navy in Yamba is a tangible example of the Australian Government’s commitment to invest in Australian designed and made capabilities,” Mr Schuback said.

The LCL can carry 4.5 tonnes of cargo, including a light vehicle, containerised stores or up to 30 personnel. A bi-fold bow ramp allows for the transfer of cargo and people across a variety of shoreline terrain and beach conditions.

Construction of the first LCL is scheduled to commence in August 2024, with delivery of the two all-aluminium LCL to the Royal Australian Navy planned for the first half of 2025.