AUSTAL Australia has delivered its fourth Evolved Cape-class patrol boat to the Royal Australian Navy.
The new vessel, ADV Cape Capricorn, is one of eight vessels of its kind built or being built under a contract with the Navy.
Austal chief executive officer Paddy Gregg said the shipbuilder is launching a new vessel every three months, after around 12 months of construction.
The first three Evolved Cape-class patrol boats, ADV Cape Otway, ADV Cape Peron and ADV Cape Naturaliste, were delivered in March, August and November 2022 respectively.
“The fifth vessel, the future ADV Cape Woolamai, is alongside now and we have three more evolved capes at various stages of production, here in Henderson,” Mr Gregg said.
“With the continued support of our trusted supply chain partners from across Australia and around the world, 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 a proven, sovereign capability partner to Defence Australia and the Navy and we are proud to play an integral role in delivering naval assets for Australia.”
Austal said the Evolved Cape-class vessels feature larger amenities to accommodate up to 32 people, improved quality of life systems and advanced sustainment intelligence systems.
Austal Australia employs around 400 people directly in Western Australia and says it has engaged more than 300 supply-chain partners across Australia on the Evolved Cape-class Patrol Boat Project.
