AWD Construction

The construction of the Hobart Class air warfare destroyers (AWDs) will be one of the most significant shipbuilding projects undertaken in Australia, and will provide enormous opportunities for Australia's shipbuilding industry with important flow-on benefits for subcontractors throughout the country.

 

As the shipbuilder, ASC is responsible for the construction of the AWDs at our dedicated, state-of-the-art shipyard - ASC South - at Techport Australia in Osborne, South Australia.

 

In support of this role, we are managing:

The AWDs will be constructed using a block build method.  30 percent of the blocks will be constructed at our shipyard - ASC South - in Adelaide, with the other 70 percent (or approximately 21 blocks per ship) to be build under subcontract at facilities in Newcastle and Williamstown.  The blocks constructed off site will be transported by sea to ASC South for block erection and integration.

 

Blocks will average 18 metres by 12 metres by 7 metres and weigh around 200 tonnes each.

 

A quick look at the AWD schedule

 

MILESTONE	SCHEDULE
Preliminary design review	December 2008
Combat system critical design review	October 2009
Pilot block for ship one (HMAS Hobart)	November 2009
Platform critical design review	December 2009
Opening of ASC South (AWD shipyard)	January 2010
Common User Facility ship lift completed	February 2010
Opening of new AWD Systems Centre at Techport Australia	Mid 2010
Aegis weapon system delivered	Late 2010
Start fabrication of ship two (HMAS Brisbane)	December 2010
Start fabrication of ship three (HMAS Sydney)	February 2012
Hull integration completed for ship one	November 2010
Float off, ship one	August 2013
Provisional acceptance of HMAS Hobart	December 2014
Provisional acceptance of HMAS Brisbane	March 2016
Provisional acceptance of HMAs Sydney	June 2017