RAN orders two more evolved-cape class patrol boats from Austal

Perth shipbuilder Austal has been awarded a contract extension for the construction of two additional Evolved Cape-class Patrol Boats for the Royal Australian Navy.

The $157 million contract follows the procurement announcement made by the Commonwealth of Australia (CoA) on 23 November 2023 and brings the total number of Evolved Cape-class Patrol Boats being delivered to the Navy under the SEA1445-1 Project to ten.

Austal Limited Chief Executive Officer Paddy Gregg said: “These additional Evolved Capes, designed and constructed by Austal in Henderson, Western Australia, are helping us to retain and build our sovereign, naval shipbuilding workforce and continue to engage supply chain partners from across Australia.

“The Evolved Capes are also enhancing the Navy’s operations throughout Northern Australia, adding greater capability for maritime surveillance and border patrols, as part of the ongoing Operation Sovereign Borders mission.”

The SEA1445-1 project for six 58-metre aluminium monohull patrol boats was extended by two vessels in April 2022.

The first boats the Cape Otway, Cape Peron, Cape Naturaliste, Cape Capricorn, Cape Woolamai and Cape Pillar have been delivered, with two Evolved Capes under construction.

The Evolved Cape-class Patrol Boats feature larger amenities to accommodate up to 32 people, improved quality of life systems and advanced sustainment intelligence systems.

Austal also supplies in-service support for the Cape, Evolved Cape and Guardian-class Patrol Boat fleets of the Australian Border Force, RAN and Pacific Island nations in Perth, Cairns and Darwin.

Picture: Austal