The Australian government has selected Leidos Gibbs and Cox Australia to take the lead on the preliminary design for a new contingency dry dock intended to support Australia’s future conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarine fleet as part of the AUKUS agreement.
The facility is to be established in Western Australia as part of Canberra’s wider efforts to enhance sovereign shipbuilding and submarine support capacity.
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According to the Department of Defence, the proposed dry dock will allow Australia to undertake critical repairs and maintenance on its planned nuclear-powered submarines from the early 2030s, with capabilities for depot-level maintenance expected by the late 2030s.
The maintenance capabilities will be developed in line with Australian regulatory processes and requirements and will comply with the country’s international obligations regarding nuclear safety, security, and safeguards.
This selection of design partner marks a “critical pre-condition” in preparing the nation to receive its first Virginia-class submarine. It will also deliver a vital contingency capability for Australia and its partners.
Australia’s 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.”
The facility forms part of a broader A$12bn ($8bn) commitment to develop the Defence Precinct at Henderson.
This investment in Henderson, together with other funding for AUKUS-related capabilities and shipbuilding, is expected to generate up to 10,000 direct jobs in Western Australia over the next two decades, according to the government.
Alongside strengthening Australia’s sovereign industrial base, the contingency dry dock will be key to maintaining and operating the future submarine fleet, as well as enabling cooperation with the US and UK to help uphold security and stability throughout the Indo-Pacific region.
Recently, the Australian Government announced that it will invest a further A$4.6bn ($3.2bn) in Australian Naval Infrastructure (ANI) to support ongoing work at the nuclear-powered submarine construction yard in Osborne, South Australia.
