The government has selected 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.
This announcement forms part of the government’s broader investment in Western Australia across HMAS Stirling and the Henderson Defence Precinct for sovereign shipbuilding and sustainment.
Floating dry dock design services will enable 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, according to the government, will provide a contingency capability for Australia and its partners.
The government says these 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.
“The contingency dry dock capability is a critical step in building a sovereign submarine sustainment system," Minister for Defence Richard Marles said.
"“The development of infrastructure at Henderson will position Western Australia at the centre of our submarine sustainment enterprise," Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy said.