Submarine Programme Opportunities

The twelve submarines being built in Adelaide for the SEA 1000 Future Submarine Programme are likely to provide opportunities for Illawarra industry.

Frank Owen, Supply Chain Manager for DCNS Australia, visited Wollongong on Friday to address i3net members at TAFE Illawarra’s Trade & Technology Faculty. He said there were many capabilities in what had been a hub of Australian steel fabrication for decades, that would be suitable for the Submarine project.

Mr Owen also provided some confidence about the use Port Kembla steel for the project. “The government has announced it will be Australian steel and we’ve entered into our discussions as to what the opportunities might be.”

Mr Owen said there were bound to be other opportunities in the Illawarra region but we can’t commit to anything at the moment.”