Minister for Defence Materiel Jason Clare has announced the first three Air Warfare Destroyer (AWD) blocks fabricated by Newcastle shipbuilder Forgacs Engineering have started their journey to Adelaide.

The blocks will be transported from Forgacs Tomago Shipyard by barge and two tugs along the North Arm of the Hunter River.

The barge will then be transferred to a single ocean going tug, which will tow the blocks through Newcastle Harbour and on to the Government of South Australia's Common User Facility at Techport. The blocks will arrive in just over a week, depending on weather conditions.

“Forgacs are building around half the blocks for these ships. They are doing outstanding work on some of the most advanced warships in the world,” Mr Clare said.

"Last week I attended the keel-laying ceremony in Adelaide for the first destroyer Hobart. The ceremony was a significant milestone in the AWD project and marked the start of the next phase in the delivery of these warships,” Mr Clare said.

Forgacs are constructing 44 blocks for the AWD project, including 14 blocks for the first destroyer. The remaining Forgacs blocks for the first AWD will arrive in Adelaide over the next 12 months.

The AWD project directly employs more than 2,500 people, with almost 700 based in Newcastle.

The AWD will have anti-air, anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare capability and will be able to embark a helicopter at sea.

Media contact: Annie Williams – 0428 040 522