State Trade and Investment Minister Nick Champion meets with Rolls Royce and Babcock International today to explore investment opportunities and learn more about how these companies support the UK’s nuclear submarine program.
Naval shipbuilding, submarine maintenance and sustainment, and advanced manufacturing with nuclear training capabilities are key focuses for the discussions, as the State prepares to establish a nuclear-competent workforce.
Rolls Royce has provided the power for the Royal Navy’s nuclear submarines for 60 years from its base in Derby.
The company already has a strong presence in South Australia, including through its partnership with BAE Systems Australia in the development of the Type 26 frigate for the Royal Australian Navy.
The global leader will now deliver reactors for Australia’s nuclear-powered submarines using a workforce of around 3,000 people.
It is anticipated that Babcock International will play a key role in the AUKUS trilateral agreement, helping to manage complex assets and significant infrastructure projects needed.
Former UK Royal Navy Vice-Admiral Sir Nick Hine KCB has recently been appointed as Babcock’s first managing director for AUKUS and international to lead the company’s newly established division.
Babcock operates worldwide with its Australasian Headquarters based in Adelaide – with the South Australian market expected to boom as the submarine program is rolled out.
Today’s meetings will be an opportunity for South Australia to position itself as an attractive investment opportunity for both Rolls Royce and Babcock, while establishing ties that will provide a skills overlay for the delivery of AUKUS.
The discussions will build on Premier Peter Malinauskas’ visit to Barrow-in-Furness earlier this year, following the announcement of the AUKUS deal.
It was during this visit, in March, where the Government gained insights into Rolls Royce’s first-of-its-kind Nuclear Skills Academy – with the UK model set to shape how new apprentices for AUKUS have access to the best courses and mentors throughout their study back home.
Quotes
Attributable to Nick Champion
South Australia is at the forefront of the nation’s defence industry, but we need to keep growing the skills and capabilities required to meet future defence needs.
The task ahead to support the generational AUKUS program rollout is clear and we are committed to growing our global partnerships to address this challenge.
Hearing directly from the UK’s most senior defence leaders – tasked with some of the world’s biggest defence projects – is not only an opportunity to learn from these companies but encourage investment into our State’s new submarine fleet.
I look forward to working with the High Commissioner and his team to build on recent momentum and take full advantage of our vast pipeline of projects.
