WA, Tas ships bid will be considered: PM

Western Australia and Tasmania will get their chance to bid for a multi-billion dollar contract to build new patrol boats.

Prime Minister Tony Abbott earlier in the week indicated construction would most likely start in Adelaide in 2018 and, possibly, Melbourne from 2020 - angering WA where small patrol boats have been built previously.

Mr Abbott, speaking to reporters in Tasmania on Friday, said he understood there was a strong local bid for the contract.

The issue would now be considered by the Defence Department, he said.

"I don't want to say any more, but certainly all the bids will get a good hearing."