Naval Group Australia has opened expressions of interest for the purchase of $100 million worth of tools, equipment and manufactured items from local suppliers that will be used at the new Attack Class shipyard in Adelaide.
As construction progresses on the new and modern shipyard being built at Osborne ahead of the building of a submarine hull qualification section in 2023, Naval Group Australia is asking local suppliers to deliver around 1000 different items to be used at the facility.
It will include the purchase of both ready-made and custom manufactured items from suppliers.
Released through Naval Group Australia’s Industry Capability Network portal, the purchase plan is targeted to Australian suppliers and seeks the delivery of items ranging from hand and machine tools, transport trollies, office equipment, welding machines, scaffolding, whiteboards, tanks and sumps and pumps, personal protective equipment, workshop benches and a plasma cutter.
“Australia’s Future Submarine Program is on the cusp of an exciting new phase, as a new and modern new shipyard rises from the ground and preparations for construction begin,” Naval Group Australia Chief Executive Officer John Davis said. “The opportunity for Australian suppliers to get involved in this latest $100 million investment in tools and equipment for the shipyard is significant, as we continue growing the local supply chain."
Naval Group global Chief Executive Officer Pierre Eric Pommellet said 'significant progress' was being made on the Attack Class project.
Naval Group says it is working closely with Australian Naval Infrastructure (ANI), which is responsible for the construction of the shipyard. Construction has reportedly advanced on the Platform Land-Based Test Facility, which is on schedule for hand-over to Naval Group Australia next year. With the fabrication hall and the main assembly hall, it is one of three major structures at Adelaide’s new Osborne submarine construction yard to be used in the delivery of the Attack Class vessels.
The Platform Land-Based Test Facility will be used to verify and refine the performance of critical Attack Class submarine propulsion systems. This will allow for the examination of the submarine’s main propulsion train in a controlled environment before inclusion into the overall platform.