I wouldn't be so sure. Austal can and do build steel hull ships...

I wouldn't be so sure. Austal can and do build steel hull ships and could easily do so from their WA yard. However, these ships are very small and simple so probably not much profit in them.

In saying that I thought the contract ASB was after was the one to replace the Armidale class patrol boats. That would use essentially the same ship as the Cape Class and would mean continuity of building something that ASB is already familiar with (leading to increased profits). THis order, combined with a few more middle east orders for JHSV's will keep the Henderson yard going for a long time.