Get ready for a game-changer in Australia's naval industry! ASC, the country's sovereign submarine partner, and Austal, a leading shipbuilder, have joined forces to revolutionize shipbuilding and submarine sustainment through additive manufacturing (AM).
A Partnership for Innovation and Sovereignty
On November 13, 2025, at the Indo Pacific International Maritime Exposition in Sydney, ASC and Austal signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on AM technologies and workforce development. This partnership is a significant milestone in strengthening Australia's naval capability and domestic supply chain.
The Power of Additive Manufacturing
Additive manufacturing, or 3D printing, offers immense potential for the maritime industry. It promises faster production, improved part performance, and increased flexibility in shipbuilding and maintenance. ASC's Chief Capability Officer, Danielle Bull, emphasized the transformative nature of AM, stating, "It enables us to build faster, more resilient vessels with enhanced performance and maintainability."
A Journey Towards Advanced Manufacturing
Austal, through its Advanced Technologies division, has been a pioneer in AM adoption. They operate the U.S. Navy's Additive Manufacturing Center of Excellence (AM CoE) in collaboration with BlueForge Alliance. Austal's Chief Technology Officer, Glenn Callow, highlighted their long-term commitment to advanced manufacturing, saying, "We've been working with partners since 2020 to align 3D printing with our maritime customers' needs."
Upskilling the Workforce
The partnership will also focus on workforce development. By providing training and upskilling opportunities in advanced manufacturing technologies, ASC and Austal aim to create a highly skilled workforce capable of leveraging the full potential of AM.
A Collaborative Effort for a Brighter Future
Don Hairston, Austal USA's Vice President for Submarines and Advanced Technologies, expressed excitement about the collaboration, emphasizing the opportunity to share knowledge and experiences. He said, "Together, we're pushing the boundaries to create a more resilient and efficient global supply chain for defence."
A Sovereign Capability for Maritime Innovation
This partnership aligns with Australia's broader defence initiatives to enhance sovereign capability. ASC and Austal's combined efforts will ensure Australia remains at the forefront of maritime innovation, leveraging the power of additive manufacturing to build a stronger, more resilient naval force.
About ASC and Austal
ASC, with 40 years of experience, has built and sustained Australia's Collins Class submarines. Austal, on the other hand, is Australia's strategic shipbuilder and defence prime contractor, with a global presence and a track record of designing and constructing advanced commercial and defence vessels.
For more information on ASC, visit www.asc.com.au. To learn more about Austal, head to https://www.austal.com/.
Media Contact
For any media inquiries, please contact Cameron Morse at Austal on +61 (0)433 886 871 or via email at [emailprotected]
