Nuclear-Powered
Submarine
Construction Yard
Nuclear
Nuclear-Powered Submarine Construction Yard
On 14 March 2023, the Commonwealth Government announced the Optimal Pathway for Australia to acquire conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarine capability. A key element of this pathway is the development of the Nuclear-Powered Submarine Construction Yard at Osborne in South Australia.
The Nuclear-Powered Submarine Construction Yard will be the most advanced submarine construction yard in the southern hemisphere and will support the construction of Australia’s future fleet of SSN-AUKUS submarines by the Australian Shipbuilder Joint Venture. ANI is leading development of the yard on behalf of the Commonwealth Government, in collaboration with the Australian Submarine Agency.
This is a significant undertaking for ANI. The project involves the delivery of extensive, technically complex infrastructure, with construction anticipated to span more than a decade. More than 50 new structures will be built across a site of more than 100 hectares.
Given the scale and complexity of the program, ANI is working closely with key stakeholders to ensure 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.
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Eurimbla Way
Construction of Eurimbla Way began in November 2024 and was completed in just over twelve months, marking a major early milestone for the Nuclear-Powered Submarine Construction Yard program. Eurimbla Way has been designed to reduce travel times for precinct users, remove delays caused by train movements, and improve overall safety by eliminating the vehicle–train interface. As the shipyard workforce grows in the coming years, the new road will help minimise congestion and support efficient movement into and around the precinct and Outer Harbor. The new road was officially opened by South Australian Minister for Defence and Space Industries Chris Picton MP.
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.
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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.
The Department of Climate Change, Energy, and the Environment and Water issued the Australian Submarine Agency an approval decision notice for the Nuclear-Powered Submarine Construction Yard on 19 February 2026.
More details can be found at: