In a big boost to Australia’s naval shipbuilding sector, the government will invest up to US$4.3 billion in Western Australia’s first large-vessel drydock, enabling the construction and sustainment of large naval vessels on the country’s west coast.
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the Henderson shipyards project in Western Australia was a central pillar to maintaining sovereign capabilities and that it would “turbocharge” the country’s naval shipbuilding sector.
The Henderson shipyards project would match Australia’s other drydock in Sydney and will likely service Australian and allied naval vessels as well as commercial craft. It is envisioned to create 2,000 jobs upon completion, and 500 while it is being built.