The Australian Government has selected Adelaide-based KBR and joint venture between AECOM and Aurecon as concept design partners for South Australia’s Nuclear-Powered Submarine Construction Yard (NPSCY) at Osborne.

Together, the selected design teams will draw on the experience of nuclear infrastructure specialists and personnel who have worked on previous shipyard infrastructure projects at Osborne, Henderson and in AUKUS partner nations.

KBR will be responsible for designing the steel processing and fabrication facilities at the shipyard, while AECOM and Aurecon will deliver the concept design for the remainder of the site that will be used to support the outfitting, consolidation and commissioning of the SSN-AUKUS submarines.

With extensive experience in the design of defence infrastructure facilities across Australia, including the continued works at HMAS Stirling, KBR Vice President GS APAC Nic Maan said that the company was thrilled to be selected.

“The trust that has been placed in KBR by Australian Naval Infrastructure and the Australian Submarine Agency is testament to our long history at Osborne and the world class capabilities that KBR can contribute to this critical national security endeavour.”

Led by Australian Naval Infrastructure in partnership with the Australian Submarine Agency, the announcement marks another key milestone in the lead up to the construction of Australia’s first SSN-AUKUS by 2030.

At the peak of construction, the project is set to create up to 4,000 direct jobs, drawing on the skills of Australian engineering and design consultants, project controls specialists, project managers, tradespeople and construction workers.

The NPSCY development will span more than 75 hectares and will be built to the highest security and safety standards. Early works such as site mobilisations and a new carpark commenced late last year.

Read the full media release.