ASC begins construction of $100 million shipyard upgrade

Construction on the $100 million upgrade of ASC’s shipyard has had a groundbreaking – and building-breaking – start today.

An outdated amenities building was demolished and a more traditional soil-turning performed to symbolise the beginning of the development – ASC’s biggest infrastructure program since the establishment of the Collins Class submarine facility in 1987.

Located adjacent to Techport Australia’s Common User Facility, the Osborne shipyard will be used by ASC in its role as shipbuilder in the Air Warfare Destroyer (AWD) Program.

The upgrade will include state-of-the-art AWD production facilities, new office accommodation for 400 employees and a wharf support building with office space and workshops.

The local construction industry is poised to reap the benefits of the development, with South Australian firm Hansen Yuncken chosen to design and construct the shipyard and numerous spin-off opportunities expected for sub-contractors.

“This is an exciting day in the history of ASC,” Managing Director Mr Greg Tunny said. 

“We have begun to build the shipyard in which we will construct and consolidate three air warfare destroyers in what is one of the most complex engineering projects ever performed in this country.

“We have already achieved many planning and design milestones for the AWD Program, and now we are getting down to the business of building ships.”

The project is expected to create up to 350 jobs at its peak, and be completed in the last quarter of next year (2009).