THE navy frigate HMAS Parramatta has become the first vessel to dock at the new $300 million Techport Australia facility at Osborne.

The new 213m wharf is a critical component of the new facility and was developed after the state secured the $8 billion Air Warfare Destroyer contract.

The facility, which is due to open in February, will include Australia’s largest shiplift, capable of supporting a vessel of up to 9300 tonnes.

Marking the milestone yesterday, Premier Mike Rann also said the Techport helped SA secure the future assembly of 12 next-generation submarines – a contract worth $30 billion.

“Already we have established ourselves as the clear leader in the defence industry in this nation,” he said.

The Parramatta, which returned from its deployment to the Middle East earlier this year, is in Adelaide for Navy Week.

It will be open to the public at Dock 2 Port Adelaide on Sunday between 10am and 3pm.