Austal USA has been awarded a $450 million contract from General Dynamics Electric Boat to fabricate more submarine modules for the U.S. Navy.
“This contract award will fund Austal USA to enhance its existing infrastructure by designing, constructing and outfitting a new module fabrication and outfitting the facility at its Mobile shipyard to support the U.S. Navy goal of delivering one Columbia-class and two Virginia-class submarines annually,” Austal Ltd. said in announcing the contract. “Construction of the new building will start this U.S. autumn and be complete in 2026. When fully operational, the building will support approximately 1,000 jobs and provide capability to fabricate, outfit and transport submarine components.”
Paddy Gregg, CEO of Austal Ltd., the Australian parent of Austal USA, said, “General Dynamics Electric Boat has recognized that Austal USA is a solid partner to deliver high-quality components for Virginia- and Columbia-class submarines. This growing partnership demonstrates confidence in Austal USA’s commitment to meet the needs of the U.S. maritime industrial base and support the most critical needs of the U.S. Navy.”
Austal was established in Mobile in 1999, at first working primarily with aluminum hulled ships. It opened a new steel panel line in 2022.
It also began submarine module production in 2022, constructing and outfitting Command and Control Modules and Electronic Deck Modules for the Virginia- and Columbia-class vessels.