Austal announced on March 23 that Austal Australia has delivered the first of six Evolved Cape-class Patrol Boats (ECCPB’s) to the Royal Australian Navy.
The vessel, ADV Cape Otway, was officially accepted and named by the Minister for Defence, The Hon. Peter Dutton MP at a ceremony held at Austal’s Henderson, Western Australia, shipyard. He was accompanied by the Chief of the Royal Australian Navy, Vice Admiral Michael Noonan AO, and Head of Maritime Systems, Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group, Rear Admiral Wendy Malcolm CSM.
Speaking at the delivery ceremony, Austal Limited Chief Executive Officer Mr Paddy Gregg said the first Evolved Cape-class Patrol Boat to be delivered reflects the collective skills, teamwork and capability of the national naval shipbuilding enterprise.
“Sheds don’t build ships, people do. And it’s great to celebrate today with representatives from Austal, the Department of Defence, our proud supply chain partners and many more businesses in the defence industry across Australia,” Mr Gregg said.
“This first Evolved Cape-class Patrol Boat was a true team effort, drawing on the expertise, drive and commitment of hundreds of talented people who are fundamentally contributing to the national security of this country.
“Apprentices, university graduates, trainees, tradespeople and professionals; we’re not just building patrol boats, we’re designing and constructing (and indeed, sustaining) naval assets that are keeping Australia’s border secure.”
The 58-metre aluminium monohull patrol boat is the first of six to be delivered to the Royal Australian Navy under a A$324 million contract awarded to Austal Australia in May 2020. With greater capability than the benchmark 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 that will further enhance the Royal Australian Navy’s ability to fight and win at sea.
