FACILITIES
Australian Shipbuilding
Our Facilities & Operations
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 NORTH
Submarine sustainment activities take place in Osborne North
OSBORNE South
Supporting major naval surface combatants up to destroyer size
Osborne South
The facilities at Osborne South were initially constructed to enable the production of three Air Warfare Destroyers, the last of which was completed in April 2020.
Osborne South was expanded under the Osborne South Development Project to support the construction of nine Hunter Class Frigates by BAE Systems Maritime Australia. These purpose-built, modern facilities enable end-to-end Steel in…Ships Out production, marking the first time vessels can be fully built and delivered from Osborne Naval Shipyard.
In parallel, ANI commenced modernisation of the existing south yard in September 2020, forming part of a broader, staged program of expansion and infrastructure upgrades designed to enhance capability, efficiency, and long-term shipbuilding capacity across the precinct.
The first modernisation project involved the repurposing of an existing building into a pipe fabrication workshop to support the Hunter Class Frigate Program. This included the construction of new offices and staff amenities, as well as the installation of state-of-the-art pipe fabrication equipment in the fully refurbished building.
The Osborne South expansion will deliver a modern, integrated shipyard supporting continuous vessel builds up to Destroyer size. New and upgraded facilities enable indoor construction, reducing weather impacts, time, and costs.
Osborne South
Key facilities at Osborne South include:
- Production workshops, offices and staff amenities
- Steel Fabrication and Unit Assembly Hall (14,300m2 comprising four sub-halls)
- Block Assembly Hall (160m L x 48m W x 28.5m H)
- Blast and Paint Hall (60m L x 30m W x 23m H)
- Block Outfitting and Assembly Hall (190m L x 90m W x 50m H)
- Pipe Fabrication Hall
- Commercial kitchen, dining and media hall
Common Use Infrastructure
Providing critical infrastructure to support and service naval shipbuilding programs and commercial users.
Common Use Infrastructure
Shiplift Load Test
In April 2025, ANI conducted a shiplift load test to ensure the system could safely and reliably handle its intended lifting capacity and operate as designed. By applying controlled loads to the platform, the test verified the structural integrity of the shiplift, confirmed the performance of its lifting mechanisms under real operating conditions, and ensured it met required safety and regulatory standards. This process provided assurance that the shiplift was fit for service and capable of safely docking vessels without risk to personnel, equipment, or infrastructure.
Common Use Infrastructure
Commercial Operations
ANI also provides services for commercial vessel operators including dockings and undockings supplementing the naval vessel dockings to assist skill retention and training of personnel.
Since 2010, there have been more than 45 commercial dockings at the Common User Facility, including:
- Multiple tug boats
- Spencer Gulf Searoad ferries
- Kangaroo Island Sealink ferries
- MV John Duigan Landing Craft
Docking opportunities may be available for commercial vessel operators to make use of ANI’s facilities.
Osborne North
The existing Osborne North shipyard is the location for full-cycle dockings and maintenance of the Royal Australian Navy’s six Collins Class Submarines, which is undertaken by ASC Pty Ltd. It is also the yard where the Collins Class Life of Type Extension (LOTE) program will be undertaken, and ANI will undertake a range of facility refurbishment works to support this program.
Key features of the Osborne North yard include
Hardstand Area
A sealed hardstand area supports submarine docking and maintenance, with a rail transfer system and self-propelled transporters providing flexible vessel movement and workspace. Service modules around the area supply power, seawater, compressed air, communications, fire protection, and lighting.
Construction and Assembly Halls
Two large assembly halls enable all-weather construction and maintenance, each equipped with overhead beam and wall cranes. They include staff amenities, offices, and workshops for pipe, mechanical, electrical, welding, and fabrication work.
Maintenance Support Tower
A state-of-the-art maintenance support tower (MST) sits between the halls, providing easy access to all submarine levels and delivering services like power, gas, and extraction directly to the work area. It also includes nearby offices and tool storage, reducing the need for workers to travel.
Blast and Paint
The dedicated paint and blast facility meets strict Environmental Protection Authority pollution control regulations. This building is accessible via the transfer system and can accommodate large sections of vessels.
Diesel and Generator Test Facility
This test facility enables the key part of the submarine propulsion and power system to be operated and proven off the boat, saving time and costs by allowing maintenance to be undertaken outside of a submarine and multiple tasks to be undertaken simultaneously.
Integrated Logistics and Storage
On-site warehousing and logistics areas support efficient storage, handling, and movement of parts, materials, and equipment, ensuring maintenance work can be carried out without delays.