The base is designed to carry out testing and service of subsea control modules and trees. It will also house an engineering team and be the Australian head office for Aker Solutions' subsea business area.

"Asia-Pacific is the world's fastest-growing region when it comes to subsea field developments," Aker Solutions executive vice president Raymond Carlsen said.

"We are raising our game in this region, and our new facility in Perth is part of our strategic plan to offer our customers local back-up and operational support."

While the company has been operating in Perth for 10 years, the new facility complements its hi-tech subsea manufacturing centre in Malaysia, which is a key provider to the subsea industry in the Asia-Pacific.

"We chose Perth for a number of reasons. Firstly, our facility brings the operational support closer to our customers," Aker Solutions Australian subsea business managing director Greg Ross said.

"Secondly, the location right next to the airport and coastline provides clear logistical advantages.

"Thirdly, almost all the large future subsea field developments in Australia will take place off the coast of northwest Australia, making the base ideally located from a service and maintenance perspective."

Aker Solutions, which changed its name from Aker Kvaener on April 4, operates in 28 countries.