Osborne shipyard to triple in size for AUKUS nuclear submarines

Osborne will become the fourth submarine production line within the AUKUS security pact, joining Newport and Groton in the US and Barrow-in-Furness in the UK.

Located on South Australia’s Lefevre Peninsula, the shipyard is already garnering international recognition, due to world-leading innovation and automation technology used on the Hunter-class frigate program.

In order to construct highly complex nuclear-powered submarines under the AUKUS security pact, the Osborne precinct must triple in size.

The federal government has secured land just north of the existing shipyard, where the future SSN-AUKUS boats will be constructed.

About $2bn will be invested in new shipyard infrastructure at Osborne over the next four years to help establish the precinct as a world-leading destination for shipbuilding.

“You are talking about the most advanced technology in the world and it’s going to be right there in the heart of Adelaide,” said Vice Admiral Jonathan Mead, the head of Defence’s AUKUS taskforce.

“(It) will redefine South Australia’s industrial landscape that will bring a level of expertise and sophistication that is only seen in very few places in the world.”

The new nuclear submarine shipyard will be almost three times bigger than what was planned for the now-dumped French Attack-class project.

Shipyard construction will be led by Australian Naval Infrastructure (ANI).

ANI’s chief executive Andrew Seaton said “due diligence activities” had already started and construction would begin this year.

“The construction yard required to build the nuclear-powered submarine fleet in Osborne will be almost three times the total size of the yard which was previously envisaged, and will be built to the highest security, environmental and safety standards,” Mr Seaton said.

New artist impressions released by the federal government show the new shipyard wrapping around the Mutton Cove Conservation Reserve.

Osborne’s transformation will have generational benefits for the wider state.

About $200bn will be injected into the South Australian economy as construction ramps up on the future nuclear submarines, according to Business SA chief Andrew Kay, who labelled it a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” for SA’s business community.

Time will tell whether the AUKUS security pact will lead to a major long-term population boost in Adelaide – but about 5500 shipbuilders will be working on the SSN-AUKUS submarines when construction reaches its peak in 20-30 years’ time.

This figure is direct jobs only and doesn’t include the countless opportunities that will come with the massive economic injection over the next three decades and beyond.

About 20,000 direct jobs are associated with the AUKUS program nationwide.

A new shipbuilding training academy will be established at the shipyard, producing hundreds of apprentices in various trades each year.

Originally published as Osborne shipyard to triple in size for AUKUS nuclear submarines