Austal Limited has announced a contract extension for the construction of two additional Evolved Cape-class Patrol Boats, set to be delivered to the Australian Border Force (ABF).
The A$137.02 million contract increases the total number of Evolved Cape-class Patrol Boats to 12, with eight boats already delivered, the company said in an ASX announcement.
Austal Limited CEO Paddy Gregg emphasised that the two additional patrol boats would bolster the capabilities of the Australian Border Force’s Maritime Border Command and its “Operation Sovereign Borders” initiative, which focuses on safeguarding Australia’s maritime borders.
“The eight Evolved Capes delivered by Austal since 2020 have significantly contributed to our maritime and border security efforts. These additional vessels for the Australian Border Force will enhance maritime surveillance and border patrols across Northern Australia,” said Gregg.
“Austal’s history with the ABF goes back to 2012-2015 when we delivered the original Cape-class Patrol Boats, and it’s a testament to the capability of our vessels and our team’s shipbuilding expertise that we are now tasked with constructing the ABF’s first Evolved Capes.”
The SEA1445-1 Evolved Cape-class Patrol Boat project, which initially called for six 58-meter aluminium monohull vessels for the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) beginning in May 2020, was extended by two vessels in April 2022 and again by two vessels in February 2024.
To date, eight Evolved Cape-class vessels have been delivered, with two more currently under construction at Austal’s Henderson shipyard in Western Australia.
The two new vessels will complement the ABF’s existing fleet of eight original Cape-class Patrol Boats, also constructed by Austal and delivered between 2012 and 2015.
The Evolved Cape-class Patrol Boats feature enhanced amenities, including accommodations for up to 32 personnel, improved quality-of-life systems, and advanced sustainment intelligence systems to maximise operational effectiveness at sea.
Austal also provides in-service support for the Cape and Evolved Cape fleets through dedicated service centres in Henderson, Western Australia; Cairns, Queensland; and Darwin, Northern Territory.
Additionally, Austal is contracted to deliver 24 steel-hulled Guardian-class Patrol Boats under the Pacific Patrol Boat Replacement Project (SEA3036-1), with 22 vessels already delivered since 2018.
