The Australian Government has selected Leidos Gibbs and Cox Australia to lead the preliminary design for a contingency dry dock that will be established in Western Australia to support Australia's future nuclear-powered submarine capability.
In a statement released on Wednesday, July 29, the Australian Department of Defence (DOD) said selecting the designer to provide floating dry dock design services will ensure Australia will be ready to undertake critical repairs and maintenance for its future nuclear-powered submarines from the early 2030s, ahead of the requirement to conduct submarine depot-level maintenance from the late 2030s.
The DOD explained that this contingency dry dock capability is a critical pre-condition of Australia receiving its first Virginia-class submarine and will provide a critical contingency capability for Australia and its partners.
"These vital 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 department added.
"The contingency dry dock capability is a critical step in building a sovereign submarine sustainment system," said Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles. "This investment ensures Australia will have the infrastructure, workforce and industrial capability required to support our future nuclear-powered submarines."
