Australian shipbuilder Austal (ASX:ASB) has delivered the fourth of eight Evolved Cape-class Patrol Boats (ECCPBs) to the Royal Australian Navy.
The company says the vessel, which has been named ADV Cape Capricorn was officially accepted by the Commonwealth of Australia.
Commenting on the delivery, Austal CEO Paddy Gregg says the delivery of the fourth ECCPB highlights Austal’s consistency in production and efficiencies at the Henderson shipyard.
“Austal has now delivered 4 Evolved Capes to the Royal Australian Navy since the contract was signed in May 2020 and we are launching a new vessel every 3 months, after around 12 months construction.
The fifth vessel, the future ADV Cape Woolami, is alongside now and we have 3 more Evolved Capes at various stages of production here at Henderson.
“Austal has now delivered 4 Evolved Capes to the Royal Australian Navy since the contract was signed in May 2020 and we are launching a new vessel every 3 months”
With the continued support of our trusted supply chain partners from across Australia and around the world, the Austal shipbuilding team is well on track to deliver all 8 Evolved Cape-class Patrol Boats to the Navy by mid-2024, on schedule.
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.”
Austal reports the 58m aluminium monohull patrol boat is the fourth of eight to be delivered to the Royal Australian Navy. The first 3 ECCPBs ADV Cape Otway, ADV Cape Peron, and ADV Cape Naturaliste were delivered in March, August, and November 2022, respectively.
The company says the Evolved Capes features new, larger amenities to accommodate up to 32 people, improved quality of life systems, and advanced sustainment intelligence systems that further enhance the Royal Australian Navy’s ability to fight, and win at sea.
These patrol boats will be utilised for a wide variety of constabulary and naval missions and play a critical role in Australia’s national security, as a high-performing, reliable, and effective maritime asset.
The company also reports it is contracted to deliver 22 Guardian-class Patrol Boats to the Commonwealth of Australia under the Pacific Patrol Boat Replacement Project and has delivered 15 vessels since 2018.
Austal is an Australian shipbuilder and defence prime contractor designing, constructing, and sustaining some of the world’s most advanced commercial and defence vessels.
The company is Australia’s largest defence exporter and first ASX-listed shipbuilder with industry-leading shipyards in Australia, the United States of America, Philippines, and Vietnam with service centres worldwide, including the Middle East.
It also specialises in delivering monohull, catamaran, and trimaran commercial vessel platforms, including the world’s largest trimaran ferry, and multiple defence programs such as the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS), and Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF) for the US Navy.
Images: Austal Ltd
