Fifth Cape-class patrol boat delivered
Austal Australia has delivered the fifth of eight Evolved Cape-class patrol boats (ECCPB’s) to the Royal Australian Navy.
CAPTION: ADV Cape Woolamai. Austal photo.
The vessel, ADV Cape Woolamai, was officially accepted by the Commonwealth of Australia on 22 June 2023.
Austal Limited Chief Executive Officer Paddy Gregg said the delivery of the fifth ECCPB highlighted Austal’s proven shipbuilding capabilities, efficiency and productivity from the Henderson, Western Australia, shipyard.
“With the delivery of every Evolved Cape-class patrol boat, Austal is demonstrating the capacity, capability and expertise to construct naval vessels for Australia to the highest quality, efficiently,” Mr Gregg said.
“This latest vessel, the ADV Cape Woolamai, is the fifth we have delivered in just 15 months.
“We’re launching and delivering a new patrol boat every three months, following approximately 12 months construction.
“Austal’s highly skilled and efficient local production team, supported by our trusted supply-chain partners, are achieving outstanding productivity in the delivery of the Evolved Cape-class patrol-boat project for the Royal Australian Navy.
“We remain on track to deliver all eight patrol boats on schedule, in mid-2024 and thank the Commonwealth again for their trust in our team to deliver this great capability for Australia,” Mr Gregg added.
The 58-metre aluminium monohull patrol boat is the fifth of eight to be delivered to the Royal Australian Navy since the project commenced in May 2020.
The first four Evolved Cape-class patrol boats, Cape Otway, Cape Peron, Cape Naturaliste, and Cape Capricorn were delivered within a twelve-month period, from March 2022.
The sixth, ADV Cape Pillar, was launched at Henderson shipyard earlier this month.
Evolved Cape-class PBs feature new, larger amenities to accommodate up to 32 people, improved quality-of-life systems and advanced sustainment-intelligence systems.
They will be used for a wide variety of constabulary and naval missions and play a critical role in Australia’s national security.
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