Australian steel makers Bisalloy and BlueScope have had another win after a new contract was signed with Naval Group to produce up to 250 tonnes of specialised steel for the Future Submarines.
The steel produced will be tested to determine whether it meets the specifications for the submarines' pressure hull, which is an essential safety requirement.
Minister for Defence Industry, Christopher Pyne, congratulated Bisalloy, which has teamed up with BlueScope to produce the unique grade of steel required.
“This will be the first time Australian industry has attempted to make this particular type of steel, demonstrating the ongoing opportunities for local industry within the Future Submarine Program,” Minister Pyne said. “It’s great news for local workers and shows the confidence we have in Australian companies to contribute to this massive $50 billion dollar program.”
Minister Pyne said over the past 12 months Naval Group has been working with Bisalloy and BlueScope to develop and qualify Australian steel to meet the demanding specification required for the submarines.
Australia’s fleet of 12 Future Submarines will be built in a new, dedicated construction yard in Adelaide, which will be concept designed by KBR in partnership with Naval Group. The submarine program is expected to generate an annual average of around 2,800 jobs.
Construction of the first submarine is scheduled to commence in 2022-23.