The Australian government plans a nearly $965 million investment to develop infrastructure at the country's naval shipyards for the building of next-gen ships.

The investment, announced by the Australian Department on Defense earlier this week as the Naval Shipbuilding Plan, is designed to end the boom-and-bust cycle that has afflicted the industry for many years.

"We are embarking on a great national endeavor," the Department of Defense statement said in a press release. "We will transform our naval shipbuilding and sustainment industry here in Australia, with Australian workers, in Australian shipyards, using Australian resources."

"In total, the [Prime Minister Malcolm] Turnbull Government will invest more than A$1.3 billion [nearly US$965 million] to modernize construction shipyards in South Australia and Western Australia."

Under the government's 2016 White Paper on Defense, Australia is planning to build about $66.7 billion worth of submarines, frigates and patrol boats over the next 35 years.

The Defense Department said work on naval shipbuilding infrastructure will start this year at the Osborne Naval Shipyard in South Australia. The Henderson Maritime Precinct in Western Australia will also be upgraded.

Included in the work will be new cranes and heavy lift transportation capability, the construction of welding stations and modernization of workshops and buildings.

To accompany infrastructure improvement and shipbuilding goals, Australia's Naval Shipbuilding College is to begin work with existing education centers to expand and develop the pool of available skilled workers for the expanding naval industry.

Tweet

Australia unveils massive new shipbuilding plan
Sydney (AFP) May 16, 2017
Australia revealed details of a massive shipbuilding strategy Tuesday, its largest peacetime naval investment, with plans to construct dozens of new submarines and frigates to shore up its defence capabilities. Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said the Aus$89 billion (US$66 billion) package - first flagged in 2015 to replace its ageing fleets - would boost local industry, with up to 5,000 j ... read more

Related Links
Naval Warfare in the 21st Century

Thanks for being here; We need your help. The SpaceDaily news network continues to grow but revenues have never been harder to maintain. With the rise of Ad Blockers, and Facebook - our traditional revenue sources via quality network advertising continues to decline. And unlike so many other news sites, we don't have a paywall - with those annoying usernames and passwords. Our news coverage takes time and effort to publish 365 days a year. If you find our news sites informative and useful then please consider becoming a regular supporter or for now make a one off contribution.
SpaceDaily Contributor $5 Billed Once credit card or paypal		SpaceDaily Monthly Supporter $5 Billed Monthly paypal only