Austal Australia has completed the fourth delivery of Evolved Cape-class Patrol Boats (ECCPBs) to the Royal Australian Navy (RAN).
The ADV Cape Capricorn is the latest out of eight vessels required in the company’s contract with the Commonwealth of Australia, which was signed in May 2020.
The 58-metre aluminium monohull patrol boat follows the delivery of ADV Cape Otway, ADV Cape Peron and ADV Cape Naturaliste, which have been completed in March, August, and November 2022, respectively.
The new ECCPBs are equipped with larger amenities designed to accommodate up to 32 people and advanced sustainment intelligence systems that further enhance RAN’s ability to fight and win at sea.
The patrol boats will be used for a wide variety of constabulary and naval missions and will play a critical role in Australia’s national security, as a high-performing, reliable and effective maritime asset.
Paddy Gregg, chief executive officer of Austal, said the delivery of the fourth ECCPB highlighted Austal’s consistency in production and efficiencies at the Henderson shipyard.
Austal is launching a new vessel every three months after around of 12 months construction, Gregg said in an ASX announcement.
“The fifth vessel, the future ADV Cape Woolamai, is alongside now and we have three more Evolved Capes at various stages of production, here in Henderson,” the CEO added.
Backed by Australian and international supply chain partners, Austal’s shipbuilding team is well on track to deliver all eight Evolved Cape-class Patrol Boats to the Navy by mid-2024.
“Austal is a proven, sovereign capability partner to Defence Australia and the Navy and we are proud to play an integral role in delivering naval assets for Australia,” Gregg said.
Approximately 400 people have been employed by Austal in Western Australia, with more than 300 supply chain partners engaged across the country, to deliver the ECCPBs for RAN.
In-service support for the Cape, Evolved Cape and Guardian-class Patrol Boat fleets operated by the Australian Border Force, Royal Australian Navy and Pacific Island nations is provided by Austal Australia through dedicated service centres located in Henderson, Western Australia; Cairns, Queensland; and Darwin, Northern Territory, the company said.
