THE federal government has announced a $124 million investment in two new Evolved Cape-class patrol boats, to be delivered by Western Australian shipbuilder Austal.
The two boats have been ordered for the Royal Australian Navy, in addition to the six patrol boats Austal Australia is currently delivering for the Department of Defence.
The order will bring the total industry investment for the Evolved Cape-class patrol boats to more than $440 million.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the order would support the government’s plans for a strong economy and strengthen Western Australia’s shipbuilding workforce.
“This investment doesn’t just help secure our borders, it secures hundreds of shipbuilding jobs in Western Australia,” the Prime Minister said.
“More shipbuilding work means a strong economy, and a stronger future for this important industry and our navy and Australian Border Force.”
Austal chief executive officer Paddy Gregg said the announcement provides the company and its supply chain partners with stability and security.
“Austal will also continue to invest and develop our facilities in Henderson to ensure we have the capability and capacity for the future programme of work the Prime Minister has previously announced,” Mr Gregg said.
“Last month Austal delivered the first of the Evolved Cape-class patrol boats, the ADV Cape Otway, in less than two years, overcoming the many challenges that materialised as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We look forward to continuing at pace, with all eight evolved cape patrol boats to be delivered through to 2024, providing long-term commitments to our supply chain partners in the Australian shipbuilding industry.”
Minister for defence Peter Dutton said the acquisition would build the nation’s naval capacity in a range of areas, including drug law enforcement operations.
“The improved design increases the quality of life for the ship’s company, manages obsolescence and increases the use of Australian supplied equipment,” Mr Dutton said.
He said the additional boats would enable the navy to transfer two of its boats to the Australian Border Force.
“The Evolved Cape-class patrol boats will reduce the risk in navy’s transition from the ageing Armidale class patrol boat fleet to the new, more capable Arafura class offshore patrol vessels.”
Minister for defence industry Melissa Price said the investment would boost the nation’s shipbuilding skills.
“Australia has some of the best shipbuilders in the world, and right here in WA, Austal are leading the way with the Evolved Cape-class patrol boats,” she said.
“This project is in addition to our planned investment of up to $30 billion in dozens of new vessels for our navy that will be built in WA over the coming decades, supporting 2000 WA jobs and hundreds of WA businesses in the supply chain.”
The Evolved Cape-class patrol boats are expected to play a critical role in Australia’s national security as high-performing, reliable and effective maritime assets for the Royal Australian Navy.
The two additional vessels are scheduled to be delivered by late 2023, with all eight to be operational by early 2024.
