South Australian-based Shoal Group have joined forces with global nuclear engineering company Assystem to strengthen Australia’s nuclear submarine supply chain and advance sovereign capabilities in naval technologies and infrastructure.

The collaboration brings together Shoal’s expertise in systems thinking, modelling, simulation and analysis – underpinned by their experience in Australia’s submarine industry – with Assystem’s global leadership in nuclear engineering and infrastructure delivery.

Assystem is a leading engineering and project management partner to the defence sector, and its UK team will contribute expertise in complex, safety-critical and nuclear environments to Shoal’s technical work.

Together, the companies will support local knowledge transfer and provide tailored engineering solutions to enhance Australia’s capacity for nuclear-powered submarine development and sustainment under the AUKUS framework.

Shoal CEO and Founder Shaun Wilson said the agreement represents another milestone for Shoal ongoing support of Australia’s strategic defence capability.

“Combining our strengths with Assystem’s global nuclear experience, we are committed to building a skilled and sustainable ecosystem to support AUKUS Pillar I,” Mr Wilson said.

Assystem’s UK Managing director Simon Barber also welcomed the partnership.

“This is an exciting collaboration that will bring Assystem’s mature nuclear defence expertise in the UK to the technical work being led by the Shoal Group,” Mr Barber said.

“Assystem is committed to supporting the successful delivery of AUKUS Pillar I, that will be vital to achieving the central mission of AUKUS to bolster security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.”

For nearly two decades, Shoal has played a vital role in supporting Australia’s submarine capability; including working closely with ASC to deliver the Collins class submarine Life of Type Extension. Shoal also supports Australian companies to meet nuclear safety requirements under the new Australian Naval Nuclear Propulsion Safety Regulations.

In the UK, Assystem is a principal partner in the Capability Assured Strategic Partnership with Rolls-Royce Submarines, supporting engineering, digital and delivery capabilities. The company also plays a key role in Ministry of Defence nuclear frameworks, providing specialist technical and infrastructure support to naval nuclear sites.

Both organisations share a commitment to building resilient, future-focused systems. This partnership reflects their aligned values and joint contribution to Australia’s strategic and sustainable development.