ASX-listed Australian shipbuilder Austal has delivered the second of eight Evolved Cape-class Patrol Boats to the Royal Australian Navy.
The vessel, ADV Cape Peron, has been officially accepted by the Commonwealth of Australia.
The 58-metre aluminium monohull patrol boat is the second of eight to be delivered to the Royal Australian Navy.
The first Evolved Cape-class Patrol Boat, ADV Cape Otway, was delivered in March 2022, following approximately 18 months construction.
The six remaining vessels are in various stages of production at Austal’s Henderson, Western Australia shipyard and deliveries are scheduled progressively through to 2024.
Austal chief executive officer Paddy Gregg said the delivery of the boat highlights the critical importance of the vessel as a capability to the Royal Australian Navy, and Australia’s national naval shipbuilding enterprise.
“The Evolved Cape-class Patrol Boats are not only enhancing the Royal Australian Navy’s capability, but further strengthening Australia’s sovereign shipbuilding capability, which is more important than ever before,” Mr Gregg said.
“Austal continues to engage over 300 defence industry partners across Australia to construct the Evolved Cape-class Patrol Boats. We’re part of the national naval shipbuilding enterprise that is delivering enhanced capability for the Navy, protecting Australia’s borders, and maintaining security in our region.”
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 further enhance the Royal Australian Navy’s ability to fight and win at sea.
