Australian Submarine Corporation and the Commonwealth have today signed a contract worth up to $3.5 billion over 25 years for the through life support of the
Collins Class submarines.
The contract was signed in a ceremony in ASC’s
Outer Harbor facility, attended by Minister for Defence, Robert Hill, and the Minister for Finance and Administration, Nick Minchin.
The contract awards ASC with the responsibility for the design, enhancement and maintenance of the Collins Class submarines until the end of their operational lives.
According to
Mr John Prescott AC, Chairman of ASC, the six submarines are a product of dedication and hard work by many Australians over a period of 15 years, which is something everyone can be justifiably proud of.
“In March this year, ASC delivered to the
Navy the sixth and final submarine in the Collins Class – HMAS
Rankin,” said Mr Prescott.
“Today, we celebrate the official end of the Build contract and the start of a new era as ASC evolves into the company principally responsible for the future maintenance, enhancement and support of the Collins Class.”
The initial duration of the contract is for 15 years, with the option to extend it for a further 10 years.
In addition to securing over 800 jobs across ASC’s Outer Harbor and
WA sites, the Through Life Support contract ensures ongoing work will continue for existing local subcontractors as well as attracting high-end skills to Adelaide and WA.
“The opportunity to work on integrated engineering projects never before undertaken in Australia will continue to lure people with specialised skills and technical capabilities to Adelaide,” said Mr Prescott.
“Further strengthening Adelaide’s prospects for future maritime defence projects and ensuring ASC remains at the forefront of defence capability well into the future.”
With ASC’s high-end skills base set to expand, so too will the local economy as a large proportion of the $3.5 billion is injected over the next 25 years.
ASC is committed to achieving six fundamental objectives:
- Six fully-operational submarines;
- Optimum arrangement for through life support, including access to key technologies from world suppliers;
- A sustainable industry to support submarine capability as part of the Australian naval shipbuilding and repair industry;
- Optimum ownership arrangements for ASC, including disposing of the Australian Government interest in ASC; and
- Optimum financial outcomes for the Australian Government.
For more information:
Jayne Correll, Communications ManagerASC Pty Ltd
Telephone: 08 8348 7000
Mobile: 0423 029 307
Email:
Jayne.Correll@asc.com.au
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