THE HON STEPHEN JONES MP
ASSISTANT TREASURER
MINISTER FOR FINANCIAL SERVICES
MEMBER FOR WHITLAM
ALISON BYRNES MP
MEMBER FOR CUNNINGHAM
FIONA PHILLIPS
MEMBER FOR GILMORE
MEDIA RELEASE
The Australian Submarine Agency has entered into a contract with Unanderra-based steel manufacturer, Bisalloy Steels for the use of local steel in the construction of Australia’s brand-new SSN-AUKUS conventionally armed nuclear-powered submarines.
The comprehensive qualification process is expected to be completed in the first half of 2025 and will involve more than 4,500 discrete tests. Bisalloy Steels will perform the advanced heat treatment process on the raw plate steel to produce high grade submarine pressure hull steel that meets or exceeds UK and US standards. The raw plate steel will be supplied by BlueScope, using iron-ore mined in Western Australia.
The qualification of local steel to UK and US standards will increase the resilience of the AUKUS trilateral supply chain.
Not only will the steel produced under this contract be used for qualification purposes, it will also be used to develop the necessary welding procedures, and used in early production demonstration activities occurring ahead of the commencement of construction of Australia’s first SSN-AUKUS submarine in Osborne, South Australia later this decade.
Quotes attributable to Member for Whitlam Stephen Jones:
“The Commonwealth’s AUKUS submarine program is the single biggest investment in our nation’s defence capability history, and will provide long-term strategic benefits for Australia, the UK and US.
“The Illawarra has a very important role to play in Australia’s sovereign capability. We produce some of the best quality steel in the world, and the involvement of Bisalloy Steels and Bluescope will ensure these vessels are built to the highest standard while providing a boost to the local economy and jobs.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Cunningham Alison Byrnes:
“Wollongong is a city of innovation and world class steel making and this contract is a testament to the capabilities and expertise of our local steel makers Bisalloy Steels and BlueScope and their research partner - the University of Wollongong.
“We have a responsibility to ensure that our defence force personnel are given the strongest and safest equipment to undertake their work; and vessels made from Australian steel ensures this standard is met and our defence personnel come home safely.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips:
“It’s absolutely wonderful to see this investment in local jobs and expertise to build the strong and reliable defence capabilities we need for our future.
“Boosting local manufacturing and supporting our region to grow, this announcement demonstrates not only our Government’s confidence in the South Coast’s production value, but also our commitment to ensure our future is Australian made.”
