Austal delivers second enhanced patrol boat

Perth shipbuilder Austal has delivered the second of eight Evolved Cape-class Patrol Boats (ECCPB’s) it is building at Henderson in Western Australia to the Royal Australian Navy.

The vessel, ADV Cape Peron (pictured), has now been officially accepted by the Commonwealth of Australia.

Austal CEO Paddy Gregg said the delivery highlighted the critical importance of the vessel as a capability to the RAN and to Australia’s national naval shipbuilding enterprise.

Gregg said: “The Evolved Cape-class Patrol Boats are not only enhancing the navy’s capability, but further strengthening Australia’s sovereign shipbuilding capability, which is more important than ever before.

“Austal continues to engage over 300 defence industry partners across Australia to construct the Evolved Cape-class Patrol Boats.

“We’re part of the national naval shipbuilding enterprise that is delivering enhanced capability for the Navy, protecting Australia’s borders, and maintaining security in our region.

Under the previous federal government Perth was identified as the small vessel construction hub for the navy, while Adelaide’s focus is on larger ships and submarines.

The 58-metre aluminium monohull patrol boat is the second of eight to be delivered, with the remainder under construction and to be delivered through to 2024.

With greater capability than the original Cape-class Patrol Boats, the Evolved Capes feature new, larger amenities to accommodate up to 32 people, improved quality of life systems and advanced sustainment intelligence systems.

Austal Australia is also contracted to deliver 21 Guardian-class Patrol Boats to the federal government under the Pacific Patrol Boat Replacement Project (SEA3036-1) and has delivered 15 vessels to date.

Picture: Austal.com

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