On Monday, 13 March, 2023, as part of the AUKUS trilateral agreement between Australia, the United Kingdom (UK) and the United States of America (USA), it was announced that Rolls-Royce Submarines Ltd will provide the reactors for Australia’s first nuclear powered submarines.
The announcement will see thousands of jobs created for Rolls-Royce and across the United Kingdom (UK) supply chain.
Rolls-Royce Submarines
Rolls-Royce Submarines, based in Derby, UK currently employs more than 4,000 people and designs, manufactures and provides in-service support to the pressurised water reactors that power every boat in the Royal Navy’s submarine fleet.
Steve Carlier, President - Rolls-Royce Submarines Ltd, welcomed the news, saying: “We are delighted to be asked to play our part in delivering this element of the AUKUS Agreement and are well prepared to support through our nuclear expertise and engineering excellence.”
Contract for Australia’s first nuclear powered submarines
For over 60 years, we have provided the power to the Royal Navy’s nuclear submarines"
He adds, “For over 60 years, we have provided the power to the Royal Navy’s nuclear submarines and we are proud to be playing a critical role in helping Australia acquire their own nuclear propulsion submarine capability.”
Steve Carlier continues, “This is great news for Rolls-Royce and for the country as a whole with the creation of more UK jobs and an opportunity to showcase British innovation and expertise on the world stage.”
Rolls-Royce delivers reactor plant and associated components
Rolls-Royce is currently supporting the existing Astute and Dreadnought boat build programmes through the delivery of reactor plant and associated components.
Additionally, it provides frontline support across the world for reactor plant equipment from its Operations Centre in Derby and supports the submarines when in the Barrow-in-Furness shipyard and the naval bases at Devonport and Faslane.
Rolls-Royce’s Nuclear Skills Academy in Derby, UK
To ensure a steady pipeline of future talent into the industry, Rolls-Royce last year opened a new Nuclear Skills Academy in Derby, United Kingdom (UK), which will provide 200 apprenticeships each year for at least the next decade.
