Posted on November 9, 2025
From humble beginnings as a small Port Macquarie family business, originally focused on dredging, Birdon has become a global maritime engineering powerhouse with major shipbuilding operations in both Australia and the United States.
Founder Jamie Bruce has overseen a transformation that now sees Birdon leading major U.S. defense contracts, including the U.S. Army’s new landing craft utility (LCU) program—a deal worth more than A$1 billion to replace aging amphibious vessels. The company is delivering 13 craft under the current order with options that could double production.
Birdon’s U.S. expansion accelerated through the acquisition of Metal Shark and C&C Marine and Repair, giving it a nationwide footprint and more than 1,000 employees across multiple shipyards. The company’s turnover has surged above A$500 million, backed by a strong forward order book exceeding $1.5 billion, largely driven by U.S. defense and Coast Guard contracts.
Bruce told The Australian that this rapid growth showcases Australian design and engineering excellence on the world stage. “I’m passionate about proving what Australian capability can achieve overseas,” he noted, adding that Birdon’s work in America enhances its domestic expertise and creates new technical jobs at home.
In Australia, Birdon continues to support the Army’s bridge and watercraft fleets and is expanding facilities in Port Macquarie and Henderson, Western Australia. Bruce emphasized that while the U.S. operations now account for most revenue, Birdon remains proudly Australian in ownership and innovation. “We’ve built a capability that can compete with anyone,” he told the newspaper.
Note, this post is based on a recent article in the Australian newspaper, “The Australian” and comments by the company.
