Imagine a future where submarines are built and repaired faster than ever, thanks to cutting-edge 3D printing – and Australia's leading shipbuilders are making it a reality today! But here's where it gets truly exciting: this isn't just about speed; it's sparking debates on whether such innovations could reshape global defense strategies, potentially leaving some traditional methods in the dust. Dive in to discover how ASC and Austal are teaming up to push boundaries in naval technology.
In a collaborative effort announced on November 13, 2025, ASC, Australia's dedicated submarine builder and maintainer, and Austal, a pioneering shipbuilder, have inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deepen their work on additive manufacturing (AM) – that's the fancy term for advanced 3D printing – alongside programs to grow a skilled workforce. This agreement represents a major leap in bolstering Australia's independent naval strengths, ensuring the nation can handle its own defense needs without relying heavily on overseas suppliers. For those new to this, think of AM as a game-changer that lets manufacturers create complex parts layer by layer, much like stacking Lego blocks, but with metals and plastics used in high-tech applications.
The signing took place at the bustling 2025 Indo Pacific International Maritime Exposition in Sydney, where the partners vowed to harness state-of-the-art 3D printing for both ship construction and submarine upkeep. This initiative will bolster Australia's internal AM ecosystem, providing essential support for the Collins Class submarines – a fleet built right here in Australia – and the imported Virginia Class subs from the US. To put it simply, AM allows for quicker fixes and custom parts, reducing downtime for these underwater giants.
Beyond technology, the MoU emphasizes building a stronger workforce through targeted training and skill-building in these advanced manufacturing fields. It's like giving workers the tools to master a new craft, ensuring Australia stays competitive in an ever-evolving industry.
Danielle Bull, ASC's Chief Capability Officer, expressed enthusiasm for the alliance, noting how it embodies both companies' dedication to fresh ideas and self-reliant defense. 'Additive manufacturing holds incredible promise for Australia's maritime sector, offering quicker fabrication, superior component durability, and more adaptable approaches to building, repairing, and maintaining ships,' Danielle remarked. 'At ASC, we're already exploring deeper integration of AM into our maintenance tasks. Teaming up with Austal will help us ramp up these abilities quickly, weaving AM into the wider Australian network, which boosts reliability, cuts waiting periods, and elevates the quality and ease of servicing vital parts.'
Austal USA's Advanced Technologies division leads the charge in adopting AM, running the U.S. Navy's Additive Manufacturing Center of Excellence (AM CoE) in partnership with the BlueForge Alliance. This hub focuses on certifying and expanding AM components for military use, including those for submarines. To illustrate, it's like a specialized lab where engineers test and approve 3D-printed parts for real-world naval challenges, ensuring they meet stringent safety and performance standards.
Glenn Callow, Austal's Chief Technology Officer, shared insights into their AM journey and strategy. 'This collaboration extends our ongoing commitments to innovative production methods,' Glenn explained. 'Since 2020, Austal has partnered with others to tailor 3D printing to meet the needs of maritime clients. With this new MoU, we'll keep driving improvements in Australia's shipbuilding and maintenance across the entire network.'
Don Hairston, Austal USA's Vice President for Submarines and Advanced Technologies, voiced excitement about the venture. 'This is a fantastic chance for the AM CoE to pass on our expertise, resources, and hard-earned insights to Austal Australia, ASC, and their AM collaborators,' Don stated. 'Collectively, we're breaking new ground to create swifter, tougher global supply lines for military purposes.'
And this is the part most people miss: The MoU fits seamlessly into larger defense goals aimed at enhancing Australia's independent capabilities, keeping the nation ahead in maritime advancements. It's controversial, though – some argue that pouring resources into high-tech like 3D printing might divert funds from tried-and-true shipbuilding traditions, potentially widening gaps in global naval power dynamics. Others see it as essential for staying secure in a world of rapid tech shifts. What do you think? Could embracing AM give Australia an unbeatable edge, or is it just hype?
The event was captured in photos, showing key figures from both sides: From left to right, Austal USA Director of Advanced Technologies Scott Kasen, Austal USA Vice President Business Development & External Affairs Lawrence Ryder (holding a pen), ASC Manager - Science and Technology Matthew Yuen, ASC Chief Capability Officer Danielle Bull (holding a pen), ASC General Manager - Supply Chain Strategy & Oversight Marius Pretorius, Austal Australia Chief Technology Officer Dr. Glenn Callow (holding a pen), and Austal Australia Head of Research & Development Sam Abbott.
Another image features: From left to right, Austal USA Vice President Business Development & External Affairs Lawrence Ryder, ASC Chief Capability Officer Danielle Bull, and Austal Australia Chief Technology Officer Dr. Glenn Callow.
About ASC:
ASC stands tall as Australia's submarine expert, with 40 years of unwavering service in constructing and supporting these underwater marvels. They crafted the Collins Class submarines and continue to handle their upkeep, upgrades, and ongoing operational assistance. In March 2024, ASC earned the role of Australia's Sovereign Submarine Partner, tasked with maintaining and, alongside BAE Systems, jointly producing conventionally equipped, nuclear-powered submarines at the Osborne facility – part of the ambitious SSN AUKUS program. This initiative, for example, involves advanced engineering to blend conventional and nuclear tech, ensuring submarines are stealthier and more capable.
For more details, visit www.asc.com.au.
About Austal:
Austal shines as Australia's key shipbuilder and defense leader, specializing in designing, building, and maintaining top-tier commercial and military vessels. Over 37 years, they've launched over 350 ships for 122 operators across 59 nations, making them the country's biggest defense exporter and the first shipbuilder listed on the ASX. Their cutting-edge facilities span Australia, the United States, the Philippines, and Vietnam, with support centers worldwide. Austal excels in creating iconic monohull, catamaran, and trimaran designs for both commercial and defense use, utilizing aluminum and steel. Think of their catamarans as speedy, stable boats used in everything from ferries to patrol vessels, showcasing innovation in marine engineering.
For further information, check out https://www.austal.com/.
Media contact:
Austal
Cameron Morse
Mobile: +61 (0)433 886 871
Email: [emailprotected]
What are your thoughts on this partnership? Do you believe additive manufacturing will revolutionize naval defense, or should we stick to proven methods? Share your opinions in the comments – let's discuss!
