Picture: Austal/Mobile, Alabama shipyard
Shipbuilder Austal has announced that Austal USA has been awarded a $670 million (US$450 million) contract by General Dynamics Electric Boat for nuclear submarine module construction.
The contract will enable Austal USA to expand production capacity at its US shipyard in Mobile, Alabama (pictured) as part of the U.S. Navy Submarine Industrial Base (SIB).
It will fund Austal USA to enhance its existing infrastructure by designing, constructing and outfitting a new module fabrication and outfitting facility.
This is designed to support the U.S. Navy goal of delivering one Columbia-class and two Virginia-class submarines annually.
Austal Chief Executive Officer Paddy Gregg said the contract award was part of a growing partnership with General Dynamic Electric Boat, demonstrating its confidence in Austal USA as a valuable industry partner for two U.S. Navy submarine programmes.
Gregg said: General Dynamics Electric Boat has recognised that Austal USA is a solid partner to deliver high-quality components for Virginia- and Columbia-class submarines.
This growing partnership demonstrates confidence in Austal USA's commitment to meet the needs of the U.S. maritime industrial base and support the most critical needs of the U.S. Navy.
Construction of the new building will start this US autumn and be complete in 2026.
When fully operational, the building will support approximately 1,000 jobs and provide capability to fabricate, outfit, and transport submarine components, said Greg.
Austal operates shipyards in Australia, the United States of America, Philippines and Vietnam.
https://www.aumanufacturing.com.au/austal-awarded-670m-contract-for-n-submarine-module-construction
