Austal has announced that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with ASC to advance additive manufacturing technologies and strengthen Australia’s sovereign naval capability, marking what the company describes as a key step in expanding the role of advanced manufacturing in shipbuilding and submarine sustainment.
According to Austal, the agreement – signed during the 2025 Indo Pacific International Maritime Exposition in Sydney – will support the wider adoption of 3D printing across naval programs, including components for the Collins Class and US-built Virginia Class submarines.
The ASX-listed company said the collaboration is also intended to bolster Australia’s domestic additive manufacturing supply chain and contribute to training and upskilling in advanced manufacturing.
Austal Chief Technology Officer Glenn Callow said the partnership builds on the company’s ongoing work in advanced manufacturing.
“This partnership builds on our long-term investments into advanced manufacturing,” he said. “With this new partnership, we will continue efforts to uplift Australia’s shipbuilding and sustainment capability across the supply chain.”
Austal noted that its US-based Advanced Technologies division has been a leader in AM adoption through its operation of the US Navy’s Additive Manufacturing Center of Excellence.
Austal USA Vice President for Submarines and Advanced Technologies Don Hairston said the collaboration opens the door for deeper knowledge sharing.
“It represents a tremendous opportunity for the AM CoE to share the knowledge, capabilities, and experience – our collective ‘lessons learned’ – with Austal Australia, ASC, and their AM partners,” he said.
ASC Chief Capability Officer Danielle Bull said the agreement reflects both organisations’ commitment to sovereign capability.
“Additive manufacturing offers transformative potential for Australia’s maritime industry — enabling faster production, improved part performance, and greater flexibility in shipbuilding, maintenance and sustainment,” she said.
The content of this article is based on information supplied by Austal Ltd. For more information, please refer to the official company announcement and communications from Austal. Please consult a licensed and/or registered professional in this area before making any decisions based on the content of this article.
