Defence Industry Minister Christopher Pyne says a $535 million shipyard will help end the shipbuilding ‘Valley of Death’
THE start of construction work on a $535 million naval yard at Osborne is being hailed as proof the South Australian shipbuilding industry will no longer be scorned the “valley of death.”
THE start of construction work on a $535 million naval yard at Osborne is being hailed as proof the South Australian shipbuilding industry will no longer be scorned the “valley of death”
The first sod of dirt will be turned today at the site of the Osborne South naval shipyard when new surface vessels — including the Future Frigates — will be built.
The Advertiser can reveal the new yard has been designed so that most work can occur indoors and will use the latest technology, including robotic welding to increase accuracy and efficiency.
Defence Industry Minister Christopher Pyne said the facility would be an asset to the state for generations.
“The plans released today are an exciting look into the future of shipbuilding in our state and shows just how vast this undertaking will be,’’ Mr Pyne said.
“This massive investment in the Osborne South Infrastructure proves the end of the so-called valley of death in shipbuilding is imminent.”
The new facilities will include a steel fabrication and unit assembly hall, new blast and paint building, block outfitting and hi-tech workshops. Mr Pyne said the facility would support the government’s continuous shipbuilding plan, starting with two offshore patrol vessel’s before work begins on the Future Frigates in 2020.
The Government will also announce the board of the newly-formed Australian Naval Infrastructure company, which has been split off from government-owned shipbuilder ASC.
The new company will be chaired by businessman Lucio Di Bartolomeo.