Sub firm names bid Project Endeavour

German submarine firm TKMS will calls its bid for Australia's new submarines Project Endeavour.

TKMS Australia chairman John White said the name was chosen for its obvious connection to Australian history - the ship sailed by Captain James Cook, who reached Australia in 1770, was HMS Endeavour.

"If an all-Australian build is the preferred option, we are well prepared for it. The construction and assembly work can be carried out at several locations around Australia," he said in a statement.