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Strength beneath the surface.

Infrastructure behind the fleet.

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Osborne Naval Shipyard Timeline

From concept to deployment, every phrase represents our commitment to excellence

1919 – 1937

Early shipbuilding in Osborne

Poole & Steel established a shipyard at Osborne in 1919 to build E‑class cargo ships after World War I, launching the first vessel from the Port River, the ‘Eurimbla’ in 1922. In 1937, the South Australian Government acquired the site, marking the start of a new chapter in its industrial development.

1980s

Establishment of modern naval shipbuilding capability

EGLO Engineering was established at Osborne around 1983, marking the beginning of local construction of the Paluma‑class survey vessels. This industrial foundation expanded in 1987 when the Osborne Naval Shipyard was formally created to support the Collins‑class submarine program. Just two years later, in 1989, the ASC North facility officially opened, further cementing Osborne’s role as a key hub for Australia’s naval shipbuilding capability.

1990s

Submarine production capability delivered

In 1996, ASC reached a major milestone by delivering HMAS Collins, the first of the six Collins‑class submarines, to the Royal Australian Navy, marking the beginning of Australia’s transition to a modern, domestically built submarine fleet.

2007 – 2015

Common use infrastructure and Osborne Naval Shipyard South

Between 2007 and 2009, common‑use infrastructure was established at Osborne, laying the groundwork for major naval programs. In 2008, construction began on the Osborne Naval Shipyard South to support the Air Warfare Destroyer program, and by 2010 the new southern shipyard was officially opened, marking a significant expansion of Australia’s naval shipbuilding capability.

2017

ANI established and expansion modernisation program begins

In 2017, the Australian Naval Infrastructure (ANI) was established as a Government Business Enterprise and took ownership of the Osborne Naval Shipyard, marking a major shift in the management of Australia’s naval industrial base. With this transition, a staged expansion and modernisation program began, setting the foundation for future shipbuilding growth and capability.

2024

Construction of Nuclear-Powered Submarine Construction Yard commences

In 2024, construction began on the Nuclear‑Powered Submarine Construction Yard at the Osborne Naval Shipyard, marking a major step in Australia’s AUKUS‑aligned industrial expansion. That same year, the first steel was cut at Osborne Naval Shipyard – South, signalling the start of physical construction for Ship 1. Additionally, work commenced on Eurimbla Way, further enhancing the site’s supporting infrastructure.

2025

Destroyer capability enhancement upgrade activities commence

In 2025, the first Air Warfare Destroyer was docked at Osborne Naval Shipyard – South, marking the official start of the Destroyer Capability Enhancement program. By December that same year, Eurimbla Way reached practical completion, further strengthening the shipyard’s supporting infrastructure.

2026

Eurimbla Way Operational

In early 2026, Eurimbla Way became fully operational, supporting growing activity across the Osborne precinct. Construction progressed on several key facilities, including the Skills and Training Academy Campus, where concrete pouring began in April. The Product Demonstration Facility is also on track for practical completion in late 2026, while preloading activities continued across Area 1 and Area 2 to prepare the ground for future development.

Osborne Naval Shipyard

The Osborne Naval Shipyard is a central pillar in Australia’s long-term naval capability. It is located 19 kilometres north of the Adelaide central business district, on the Lefevre Peninsula.

The shipyard is a rapidly expanding industrial precinct, covering more than 175 hectares, with significant growth underway to the north. It functions as Australia’s primary hub for naval construction and sustainment, supporting both surface warships and submarines within a single, integrated site.

The precinct is divided into two distinct operational zones.

  • Osborne South is dedicated to the construction of surface combatants.
  • Osborne North is focused on submarine sustainment.

This dual-precinct structure allows ANI to support multiple major defence programs simultaneously and into the future.

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Careers

Creating 8,500 jobs in Defence

Day by day, the Osborne Naval Shipyard is gaining momentum.

It is an undertaking of national significance. Strengthening national capability, supporting local industry and creating long-term jobs.

It presents once-in-a-lifetime career opportunities.

For experienced professionals through to interns, graduates and apprentices, now is the time. Your time.

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