Austal Australia has delivered the seventh of ten Evolved Cape-class Patrol Boats (ECCPBs) under contract to the Royal Australian Navy.
The vessel, ADV Cape Solander, was officially accepted by the Commonwealth of Australia at Austal’s Henderson, Western Australia shipyard.
Austal Limited Chief Executive Officer Paddy Gregg said Cape Solander was the first of two Evolved Cape-class Patrol Boats scheduled for delivery to the Royal Australian Navy in CY2024.
“The Austal Australia team are continuing to demonstrate outstanding capability, productivity and efficiency with the Evolved Cape-class Patrol Boat Project, that now comprises ten vessels for the Royal Australian Navy,” Mr Gregg said.
“Working closely with our valued supply chain partners and the project teams from the Department of Defence and Royal Australian Navy, the Austal Australia team is collaborating effectively to deliver sovereign capability for Australia.
“Our congratulations to the Royal Australian Navy on the delivery of their latest Evolved Cape and our thanks to the Austal team, Department of Defence and our industry partners for their continued dedication, commitment and efforts in delivering this latest, benchmark patrol boat.”
The SEA1445-1 ECCPB project initially involved the construction of six 58-metre aluminium monohull patrol boats for the Royal Australian Navy starting in May 2020. This project was expanded to include two additional vessels in April 2022 and another two vessels in February 2024, bringing the total to ten vessels.
The 8th ECCPB, named ADV Cape Schanck, is expected to be delivered in the second half of CY2024. Additionally, two more vessels are currently under construction at Austal’s Henderson, Western Australia shipyard.
The Evolved Capes feature new, larger amenities that can accommodate up to 32 people, improved quality of life systems, and advanced sustainment intelligence systems, which enhance the Royal Australian Navy’s capability to operate effectively at sea. These patrol boats will be used for various constabulary and naval missions and are vital for Australia’s national security as highly reliable and effective maritime assets.
In-service support for the Cape, Evolved Cape and Guardian-class Patrol Boat fleets operated by the Australian Border Force, Royal Australian Navy and Pacific Island nations is provided by Austal Australia through dedicated service centres located in Henderson, Western Australia; Cairns, Queensland; and Darwin, Northern Territory.
