Pilot site for ASSIST – under development at Cairncross Dockyard Brisbane (CDB)

CDB is the pilot site for ASSIST. Strategically located on the east coast, it is combining existing assets with targeted upgrades to test and refine the model in practice.

Originally established in 1942 to support war-era naval operations, CDB is positioned to contribute to contemporary Defence and industry priorities through modernised sustainment capability.

A site of national strategic value

CDB provides a development-ready environment to demonstrate how ASSIST can deliver policy-aligned outcomes before wider rollout.  

Infrastructure aligned to national priorities

Capability Specification
Graving Dock 270m long – suitable for major surface combatants and support vessels
Fit-Out Wharf 310m heavy wharf with deepwater access
Breasting Pocket 250m, 9m depth for vessel staging and transfer
Vertical Shiplift Planned twin 6000T Bardex Hyraulic Chain Jack Vertical Shiplifts
Off-Water Capacity Extensive laydown and multi-vessel maintenance zones
Digital Uplift Integrated diagnostics, automation, and digital twin capability (under development)

The is infrastructure designed not only to maintain platforms, but to improve sustainment efficiency, reduce downtime, and support higher operational tempo.

CDB as a Centre of Excellence

CDB is being positioned as a national hub for maritime sustainment innovation. Beyond shipyard operations, it will bring together:

The site’s development is enabling sovereign innovation and will provide a testbed for sustainment approaches to reduce lifecycle costs and strengthen fleet availability.

Economic and strategic impact

The role of CDB in a national network

CDB’s development is intended to complement Defence Regional Maintenance Centres, not duplicate them.

 

As a pilot site and potential east coast node, Cairncross can provide: