AUSTAL has been awarded a contract for two additional Evolved Cape-class Patrol Boats for Australian Border Force, taking the total number of patrol boats to be built to 12.
Eight of the patrol boats, part of a $137.02 million contract, have already been delivered.
Austal Limited Chief Executive Officer Paddy Gregg said the eight patrol boats already delivered to the Australian Border Force from 2012 to 2015 were a testament to the vessel’s capability and Austal’s shipbuilding expertise.
The SEA1445-1 Evolved Cape-class Patrol Boat (ECCPB) project, initially constructing six 58-metre aluminium monohull patrol boats for the Royal Australian Navy from May 2020, was extended by two vessels in April 2022, and a further two vessels in February 2024.
Two vessels are currently under construction at Austal’s shipyard Henderson in Western Australia.
The eleventh and twelfth ECCPB’s will add to the Australian Border Force’s existing fleet of eight original Cape-class Patrol Boats, delivered by Austal from 2012 – 2015.
Designed and constructed by Austal Australia, the Evolved Cape-class Patrol Boats feature larger amenities to accommodate up to 32 people, improved quality of life systems and advanced sustainment intelligence systems that further enhance capabilities at sea.
The patrol boats are 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 with both the Royal Australian Navy and Australian Border Force.
In-service support for the Cape, and Evolved Cape Patrol Boat fleets is provided by Austal Australia through dedicated service centres located in Henderson, Western Australia; Cairns, Queensland; and Darwin, Northern Territory.
Austal Australia is also contracted to deliver 24 steel-hulled Guardian-class Patrol Boats to the Commonwealth of Australia under the Pacific Patrol Boat Replacement Project (SEA3036-1) and has delivered 22 vessels since 2018.
