Cape-class seaboat contract let

Sydney based company Britton Maritime Systems has been awarded a $9 million contract to build 12 Gemini seaboats for the new evolved Cape-class patrol boats.

FILE PHOTO (August 2017): Australian Defence Vessel Cape Fourcroy departs HMAS Coonawarra to conduct training – note seaboat on the back. Photo by Able Seaman Kayla Hayes.

Minister for Defence Linda Reynolds said the Gemini were specifically designed for the Cape-class vessels, and were already in operation with the current fleet of Navy Cape-class patrol boats.

“The seaboats are the primary mission system for the patrol boats, providing an insertion capability for boarding and landing parties in support of operational requirements,” Minister Reynolds said.

“Two seaboats will be delivered and fitted to each of the six evolved Cape-class patrol boats currently under construction at the Austal Shipyard in Western Australia.”

Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price said the Gemini seaboat acquisition would invest more than $6 million into local industry.

“This project will have up to 68 per cent Australian-industry ontent, delivering a significant boost for our defence industry,” Minister Price said.

“It demonstrates the capacity of Australia’s east- and west-coast defence industries to deliver much-needed naval capability.”

Navy veteran and Britton Maritime Systems’ chief executive officer Steve Britton said the company had 34 years of experience and had been supplying and repairing Navy vessels since 1987.

“It’s great to see Australian industry recognised,” he said.

“The vessel build is a Mark II of the current in-service vessels, using state-of-the-art twin 175HP diesel outboard engines by Mercury Marine and the most advanced shock mitigation seating on the market from Shoxs (Allsalt Maritime).

“Britton Maritime Systems is a long-time provider to the ADF and Australian Border Force.

“We design, manufacture and sustain a wide range of products such as fire pumps, underwater navigation systems, vessel arrestor systems, USVs and TruLink wireless communications systems for RAAF.

“Additionally, we have an entire support system throughout Australia and the Pacific.”

 

EDITOR’S NOTE: With two Cape-class in service, six in production and two seaboats per PB – $9million for 16 seaboats = $562,500 each. They must be effing good boats 😉 Happy for someone to educate this landlubber on why they might cost that much.

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