ASC Docks Its First Submarine in Western Australia
ASC, Australia’s submarine builder and maintainer, has docked its first submarine at ASC West – a $35 million purpose-built submarine support facility located at the Australian Marine Complex (AMC) in Henderson, Western Australia.
Home to 185 employees and set to inject millions of dollars into the Western Australian economy, ASC West has docked HMAS Farncomb, which was brought to land aboard the AMC’s floating dock and then transferred to ASC’s facility on a multi-wheeled transfer system, marking the beginning of ASC maintaining submarines at the AMC.
ASC Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Steve Ludlam said the company had eagerly awaited its first submarine docking since the opening of ASC West in 2008.
“We made the decision to build ASC West based on the State Government’s commitment to deliver the floating dock, with the seamless performance in docking HMAS Farncomb highlighting its outstanding capabilities,” Mr Ludlam said.
“ASC is now able to carry out maintenance on as many as three submarines at any one time, reinforcing the efficiency gains we expect to realise by maintaining submarines in a state-of-the-art production environment.”
Previously, ASC worked across multiple sites in Western Australia since 1996, with the 2008 opening of ASC West representing the amalgamation of three service facilities into one consolidated, submarine support facility.
The submarine repair and maintenance work that ASC will undertake in Western Australia is expected to generate some $35 million annually for the State.
“We’re delighted to be a key user of this great floating dock facility and, coupled with the strategic location of ASC West, we’re in a much better position to make a significant contribution to the frontline of Australia’s naval defence force,” Mr Ludlam said.
“Today, we celebrate ASC’s commitment to maintaining the Navy’s Collins Class submarines on the west coast of Australia.”
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ASC Docks Its First Submarine in Western Australia
