The Australian government has tapped a designer for the submarine contingency dry dock capability in support of Australia’s conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarine fleet. Leidos Gibbs and Cox Australia has been selected to lead the preliminary design for a contingency dry dock, which will be established in Western Australia to support our future nuclear-powered submarine capability.
This announcement reflects the Albanese Government’s considered approach to delivering this capability and forms part of the Government’s broader investment in Western Australia across HMAS Stirling and the Henderson Defence Precinct for sovereign shipbuilding and the sustainment of our surface vessels and submarines.
Selecting the designer to provide floating dry dock design services will ensure Australia is ready to undertake critical repairs and maintenance for the nation’s future nuclear-powered submarines from the early 2030s, ahead of the requirement to conduct submarine depot-level maintenance from the late 2030s.
This contingency dry dock capability is a critical pre-condition of Australia receiving its first Virginia class submarine and will provide a critical contingency capability for Australia and its partners.
These vital maintenance capabilities will be established in accordance with domestic processes and regulatory requirements, and consistent with Australia’s international obligations to maintaining the highest standards for nuclear safety, security and safeguards.
In addition to supporting a strong, sovereign industrial base, a contingency dry dock capability will play a vital role in ensuring Australia can sustain and operate its future submarine fleet and work with our partners in the United States and the United Kingdom to support security and stability across the Indo-Pacific region.
This design work is underpinned by the Albanese Government’s investment of an initial $12 billion to deliver the Defence Precinct at Henderson which, alongside the Government’s record investments in AUKUS and shipbuilding, will support 10,000 direct jobs over the next two decades in Western Australia.
Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said: “AUKUS is delivering the capabilities Australia needs to keep our nation safe. The contingency dry dock capability is a critical step in building a sovereign submarine sustainment system. This investment ensures Australia will have the infrastructure, workforce and industrial capability required to support our future nuclear-powered submarines.”
Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy said: “AUKUS is happening right now. The development of infrastructure at Henderson will position Western Australia at the centre of our submarine sustainment enterprise. This is another example of AUKUS delivering long-term industrial capability and highly skilled jobs for Australians.”
Australian steel to support Virginia-class submarine construction
Australian-made submarine grade steel will be used in the build of United States (US) Navy Virginia-class submarines for the first time, demonstrating the growing contribution Australian industry is making to the trilateral submarine industrial base under AUKUS. Bisalloy Steel has received a purchase order from US shipbuilder General Dynamics Electric Boat (GDEB) valued at approximately US$2 million for HY80 steel plate to support the production and construction of Virginia-class submarines. The order highlights the world-class capabilities of Australia’s manufacturing sector and reflects the growing integration of Australian industry into allied submarine supply chains.
The order follows Bisalloy’s successful qualification to the US Navy’s rigorous structural steel standards through the Australian Government’s Defence Industry Vendor Qualification (DIVQ) Program. The DIVQ Program is helping Australian companies enter US submarine supply chains while strengthening Australia’s sovereign industrial capability. The qualification process involved close collaboration between Bisalloy, BlueScope, the Australian Submarine Agency, GDEB and the US Direct Reporting Portfolio Manager for Submarines, to demonstrate Australian industry’s ability to meet the stringent standards required for submarine construction. BlueScope manufactures the raw steel plate, while Bisalloy undertakes the specialised processing and heat treatment required to produce submarine-grade HY80 steel.
The US continues to expand capacity within its submarine industrial base and has identified steel supply as a key industrial priority. Australian industry participation supports this effort, strengthens resilience across the trilateral submarine industrial base, and creates new opportunities for local manufacturers.
The order will provide valuable production experience for Australian industry and position Australian companies to compete for future opportunities. It also demonstrates how AUKUS is delivering tangible benefits for Australian industry, supporting skilled jobs and building the industrial capability needed to underpin Australia’s nuclear-powered submarine program.
Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy said, “This is a significant AUKUS milestone and a proud moment for Australian industry. For the first time, Australian-made steel will be used in the construction of US Virginia-class submarines, demonstrating the world-leading capabilities of our manufacturing sector and the growing contribution Australian industry is making to allied defence capability. This is exactly what AUKUS is designed to achieve. With this initial order, the AUKUS program is creating tangible opportunities for Australian industry while lifting their technical standards. It is supporting local workers and businesses, and building the industrial capability that will underpin Australia’s future nuclear-powered submarine enterprise.”
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