ASC Takes Steps to Strengthen RAN Collins-class Submarine Sustainment.

Australia’s sovereign submarine sustainer, ASC, will work with Australia’s leading Asset Management experts to strengthen its life-cycle management execution of the Collins Class submarine fleet, under a new partnership with the Asset Management Council (AMCouncil) of Australia.

A Royal Australian Navy Collins-class submarine under maintenance. ASC picture.

The move follows ASC becoming the first Australian defence company recognised with international certification for asset management for defence assets – awarded by BSI International in April 2018.

“ASC is currently Australia’s leading submarine builder and sustainer, and will continue to be a critical partner, with Defence, in delivering international benchmark availability for the Collins Class submarine fleet well into the 2040s,” ASC Chief Executive Officer Stuart Whiley said.

“This partnership with the AMCouncil will drive continuous improvement in ASC’s submarine sustainment, upgrade and life-of-type extension for the entire fleet, using the life-cycle management principles.”

“Defence has endorsed asset management as best practice in maximising value from its critical assets. With this partnership, ASC and the Asset Management Council are showing the way for others in Australian defence industry. We are excited at what the future brings both for this partnership and the improvements we can bring to bear for the Collins Class fleet in coming years.”

Asset Management Council National Chairman, Mr Dave Daines said: “We welcome ASC to the AMCouncil community and look forward to working closely with its key personnel. Close collaboration between the AMCouncil and ASC will contribute to the AMCouncil's body of knowledge as well as enable ASC to keep developing its excellence in the company’s continued asset management journey”.

The partnership will initially see 40 specifically selected key ASC submarine platform experts undergo targeted training, seminars and joint events focused on Asset Management and life-cycle management. This initiative will generate a broader and deeper understanding of Asset Management in general and will result in the adoption of Asset Management methodologies and alignment across ASC’s submarine business.

“The objective is to maximise the value of the submarine to Australia’s Submarine Enterprise by optimising submarine capability, availability and affordability throughout its service life,” said Mr Whiley.

ASC’s submarine business employs more than 1,100 personnel across its two facilities in SA and WA. ASC built the Collins Class fleet and is now the design authority and the Platform Systems Integrator (PSI) for sustainment and upgrades of the submarines, as part of the Submarine Enterprise, along with the Royal Australian Navy and Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group (Department of Defence).