defence.professionals

16:42 GMT, January 22, 2010 Construction of the Air Warfare Destroyers (AWDs) is expected to ramp up as ASC’s $120 million shipyard was officially opened today at Osborne, South Australia.

More than 700 people attended the opening, including the Prime Minister of Australia, the Hon Kevin Rudd MP and the Premier of South Australia, the Hon Mike Rann MP.

The new shipyard will become ASC’s construction and consolidation site for the $8 billion Hobart Class Air Warfare Destroyer (AWD) Program.

“The shipyard represents a significant investment in Australia’s naval future and incorporates the latest production design features currently utilised in international naval build programs,” Chairman Vice Admiral Chris Ritchie AO RANR said.

The state-of-the-art facility includes dedicated AWD production facilities, new office accommodation for 400 employees, a wharf support building with office space and workshops, and a significant upgrade to existing facilities.

“Today marks a defining moment in the history of ASC and means we are now ready to take on one of the most complex engineering projects ever undertaken in this country.”

It is ASC’s biggest infrastructure program since the 1987 establishment of the Collins Class submarine facility at Osborne, South Australia.

ASC’S $120 Million Shipyard Development

ASC’s 14-hectare shipyard is located at Osborne, South Australia, adjacent to ASC’s submarine maintenance facilities and the South Australian Government’s Common User Facility (CUF), and is part of Techport Australia.

Three Hobart Class Air Warfare Destroyers (AWDs) will be built at the shipyard.

It is the most modern shipyard in Australia – incorporating the latest production design features currently utilised in international naval build programs.

defpro.news

Company or Organisation Portrait:
ASC Pty Ltd is committed to building the most advanced naval warships in the nation. This commitment has seen us establish Australia's largest repository of naval high-end skills, as well as working relationships with over 1,400 suppliers, capability partners, universities and specialist providers.

Initially established in 1985 as Australian Submarine Corporation, we were subsequently chosen in 1987 as the prime contractor for the design, manufacture and delivery of the Royal Australian Navy's (RAN) fleet of six Collins Class submarines.

For more than 20years, we have built on our strengths and commitments which led to our being awarded the role of shipbuilder for the Hobart Class Air Warfare Destroyer Program. The project will see the most advanced and complex warships ever built in Australia being constructed in our Osborne, South Australia shipbuilding facility.

In December 2003, we signed a multi-billion dollar contract for the through-life support of the Collins Class submarines over 25 years. The contract assigns us with responsibility for the design, maintenance and enhancement of the Class until the end of their operational life-cycle.

Today, ASC has evolved into Australia's largest specialised defence shipbuilding organisation, with naval design and engineering resources unparalleled within Australia's defence industry. We are independent of major product suppliers and have access to critical intellectual property from global suppliers.

Company or Organisation Contact:
Imogen Hume
Acting Corporate Communications Manager
Telephone: +61 8 8348 7000
Mobile: 0403 322 302
email: imogen.hume@asc.com.au

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