Amentum Joint Venture Selected as Capability Partner for Australia's Nuclear-Powered Submarine Shipyard Project

Australian Naval Infrastructure (ANI) has selected a joint venture between Amentum and Laing O'Rourke as the capability partner for the nuclear-powered submarine construction shipyard project in South Australia. The project is located at the new Osborne shipyard north of Adelaide, which will be used to build Australia's conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines under the AUKUS trilateral agreement.

Under a long-term contractual arrangement, Amentum and Laing O'Rourke will undertake key support roles during the development of the new shipyard. The work will be integrated into ANI's Integrated Delivery Office, focusing on providing specialized support in nuclear-related project management, construction management, and safety management, as well as assisting in coordinating work packages, driving contractor engagement, and ensuring interface management between nuclear and non-nuclear areas of the shipyard.

Amentum stated that the company has more than 60 years of global experience in nuclear submarine projects, along with expertise in nuclear licensing and collaboration with independent regulatory bodies. A senior representative from Amentum Australia noted that the team will provide support in governance, assurance, logistics, commissioning, digital engineering, supply chain quality, and integrating construction expertise into the design phase.

According to project plans, the new Osborne shipyard will be equipped with capabilities for nuclear-powered submarine assembly, outfitting, testing, and commissioning, serving the future SSN-AUKUS fleet requirements. Once completed, the facility will enable Australia to build and maintain conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines for the first time, while driving the development of high-skilled jobs and defense industrial capabilities in South Australia.