Austal Limited announced on 3 November that Austal Australia has delivered the third of eight Evolved Cape-class Patrol Boats (ECCPB’s) to the Royal Australian Navy.
The vessel, ADV Cape Naturaliste, was officially accepted by the Commonwealth of Australia and will be homeported at Cairns in Queensland.
Austal Limited Chief Executive Officer, Paddy Gregg said the delivery of the third Evolved Cape-class Patrol Boat highlighted Austal’s proven productivity and reliability to deliver naval shipbuilding programs in Australia.
“Austal has now delivered three Evolved Capes to the Royal Australian Navy since the contract was signed in May 2020. Our productivity has improved with each new vessel, to the point where Austal is launching a new Evolved Cape after just 12 months construction.
“The fourth vessel, the future ADV Cape Capricorn, is alongside now and we have four more Evolved Capes at various stages of production, here in Henderson.
“With the continued support of our trusted supply chain partners, the Austal shipbuilding team is well on track to deliver all eight Evolved Cape-class Patrol Boats to the Navy by mid-2024, on schedule.
“Austal is leading the way in delivering effective capability to the Navy and adding value to the National Naval Shipbuilding Enterprise and we couldn’t be prouder,” Mr Gregg added.
