By Darian Macey, February 4 2025
The 2024 Naval Shipbuilding and Sustainment Plan (NSSP), announced by Pat Conroy MP on 20 December, outlines a transformative vision for Australia’s naval infrastructure, with significant investments aimed at expanding shipbuilding and sustainment capacity. Chapter 4 of the plan focuses on infrastructure—highlighting key projects at Osborne, Henderson, and the national sustainment network that will support Defence’s growing fleet.
Osborne Naval Shipyard (South Australia)
Osborne remains the centrepiece of naval shipbuilding in Australia, with two distinct precincts:
- Osborne North – The future home of nuclear-powered submarine construction under the AUKUS partnership. A purpose-built Nuclear-Powered Submarine Construction Yard is being designed to support this historic capability, bringing thousands of jobs to the region.
- Osborne South – The existing hub for major surface combatants, including the construction of Hunter-class frigates. Additional upgrades are planned to enhance productivity and accommodate future destroyer construction.
Henderson Shipyard (Western Australia)
Henderson is poised for consolidation into a Commonwealth-owned Defence Precinct, supporting a range of capabilities:
- Construction of Army Landing Craft Medium and Heavy to bolster Australia’s littoral manoeuvre capabilities.
- Long-term plans for general-purpose frigates and Large Optionally Crewed Surface Vessels (LOSVs).
- Sustainment and contingency docking for Australia’s future nuclear-powered submarines.
- Expanded maintenance facilities for minor war vessels and support ships.
National Sustainment Network
To support an expanding fleet, the Regional Maintenance Centres (RMCs) in Sydney, Perth, Darwin, and Cairns are being upgraded. These centres will ensure timely sustainment and maintenance for both major and minor naval vessels.
- RMC West (Perth): Sustainment for major surface combatants and submarines.
- RMC East (Sydney): Largest sustainment centre, supporting an average of 30 maintenance periods per year.
- RMC North (Darwin) & RMC North-East (Cairns): Focused on minor war vessel sustainment, strengthening Defence’s presence in Northern Australia.
Defence Bases and Maritime Precincts
Beyond shipyards, Defence is investing in infrastructure at strategic bases, including:
- HMAS Stirling (WA): Upgrades to support Submarine Rotational Force – West (SRF-West) from 2027.
- Other bases: Investments to support enhanced littoral capabilities, logistics, and naval sustainment.
Implications for Infrastructure Professionals
The NSSP represents an unprecedented infrastructure opportunity for contractors, engineers, and supply chain partners. Key takeaways include:
- Long-term certainty: Decades of work planned across construction and sustainment projects.
- Advanced capabilities: High-tech shipbuilding facilities and nuclear-powered submarine infrastructure.
- National industry growth: Strong demand for skilled professionals, suppliers, and local businesses.
Final Thoughts
With over $159 billion committed to maritime capabilities in the coming decade, the Naval Shipbuilding and Sustainment Plan underscores the strategic importance of fit-for-purpose infrastructure. As Defence and industry work together to build and sustain Australia’s future fleet, the opportunities for infrastructure professionals have never been greater.
Author: Darian Macey
Darian is a former Engineering Officer with the RAE with tertiary qualifications in Engineering and Project Management. He is a leading practitioner within Australia's NSI sector with previous employment in Government, project management and building contractor organisations.
