Nuclear-Powered
Submarine
Construction Yard
Nuclear
Nuclear-Powered Submarine Construction Yard
On March 14, 2023, the Commonwealth Government announced the its plan “Optimal Pathway” for acquiring conventionally armed Nuclear-Powered Submarine (NPS) capabilities for Australia.
A key element of this plan is the construction of the Nuclear-Powered Submarine Construction Yard (NPSCY) in South Australia.
ANI is leading the development of the Nuclear-Powered Submarine Construction Yard at Osborne, with the preferred location currently undergoing comprehensive evaluation.
ANI is working closely with stakeholders to ensure that the design and construction of infrastructure meet required schedules and adhere to the highest standards of nuclear safety and security.
These stakeholders include the Australian Submarine Agency, Defence, the Australian Shipbuilder Joint Venture, AUKUS partners, regulatory bodies and other relevant parties.
This is a significant undertaking for ANI. It involves the development of extensive and technically complex infrastructure, with the construction phase anticipated to span more than a decade.
protecting our environment
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)
ANI submitted a development application for the construction and operation of the Nuclear-Powered Submarine Construction Yard at Osborne.
The proposed development was classified as an ‘Impact Assessed’ project by the South Australian Minister for Planning, representing the most rigorous level of development assessment in the state. This classification is reserved for major projects that hold significant economic, social or environmental importance for South Australia.
A crucial aspect of this process is the preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). It evaluates the potential environmental, social and economic impacts of the proposed development, including:
- construction and operation of the yard
- associated launch, berthing and other infrastructure required for the submarine construction
Public feedback was sought on the EIS and development application approval was granted by the Minister for Planning in late 2025. Consultation on this activity is closed but you can still access all EIS documents via the YourSay website.
NPSCY
Strategic Assessment
In November 2023, the Commonwealth Minister for Environment and Water and the Australian Submarine Agency entered into an agreement to undertake a Strategic Assessment of the Osborne Nuclear-Powered Submarine Construction Yard under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.
Consultation on the Strategic Assessment took place at the same time as the South Australian Government’s consultation on the EIS.
More details can be found at: