Australian Firm to Build Underwater Vehicles

A new generation of underwater vehicles, with applications for defense and oil exploration, is to be built in Australia.

Parry Corp. of Western Australia said it has agreed to build at least 100 submersibles worth more than $30 million for the U.S. offshore servicing company Cal Dive International.

The Australian operation is to be centered on Cockburn Sound, near the site of Western Australia’s proposed assembly area for the new fleet of Australian naval submarines.

Parry Corp. Chairman Kevin Parry said the submersibles also have important defense capabilities, as well as a wide variety of commercial and leisure applications.