In a significant move to bolster Australia’s self-reliant naval power, sovereign submarine specialist ASC and shipbuilder Austal have announced a strategic collaboration focused on additive manufacturing (AM). The partnership, formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the 2025 Indo Pacific International Maritime Exposition in Sydney, aims to accelerate the adoption of 3D printing technology for the nation’s submarine and shipbuilding programmes.
This alliance is designed to strengthen Australia’s domestic industrial base by advancing the use of AM in the sustainment of the Collins Class submarines and the future Virginia Class fleet. A key objective is to develop a more resilient, local supply chain capable of producing certified, high-performance parts on demand, thereby reducing reliance on international suppliers and cutting down lengthy procurement lead times.
Beyond manufacturing, the initiative includes a strong focus on cultivating a skilled national workforce. The partners have committed to joint training and upskilling programmes, ensuring Australian engineers and technicians are proficient in these advanced manufacturing technologies.
Danielle Bull, ASC Chief Capability Officer, emphasised the transformative potential of the technology. “Integrating additive manufacturing into our maritime industry is a game-changer,” she stated. “It promises not just faster production, but also superior parts that enhance vessel performance and maintainability. This partnership is the catalyst we need to scale these capabilities nationally.”
Austal brings considerable expertise to the table through its US division, which manages the US Navy’s Additive Manufacturing Center of Excellence (AM CoE). This provides a direct pipeline to world-leading best practices and technical knowledge.
“Our long-term investment in advanced manufacturing is the foundation of this collaboration,” explained Austal Chief Technology Officer, Glenn Callow. “We are now positioned to systematically uplift Australia’s entire shipbuilding and sustainment ecosystem.”
The partnership signals a concerted effort to embed cutting-edge innovation within Australia’s naval defence infrastructure, ensuring the nation remains at the forefront of maritime technology while enhancing sovereign capability.
