Austal Launches Fifth CCPB for Australian Customs and Border Protection Service

Austal launched the fifth in-series Cape Class Patrol Boat (CCPB) today at the Company’s Australian Defence Facility in Henderson, Western Australia.

Cape Jervis is the fifth of eight 58-metre patrol boats that are being delivered to the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service (ACBPS) by Austal as Prime Contractor under a design, build and in-service sustainment contract, valued at approximately $330 million.

Under the contract, Austal is also using its in-house expertise to develop and integrate sophisticated electronic systems for command, control and communication.

The launch ceremony marked the first time the boat has been lowered into the water. Following maritime tradition, specially minted coins were placed under the keel block of the vessel as a symbol of good fortune on 17 January 2014. These were removed prior to the launch and will be presented to the boat, ACBPS and Austal at a later date. The boat was then lowered into the water using Austal’s slipway facility.

With the vessel in the water, Austal is on target to achieve full vessel completion and sea trials prior to an official naming ceremony and final delivery to ACBPS in Q1 CY2015.

Meanwhile, Cape Sorell (CCPB04), will be delivered to ACBPS in Q4 CY2014. The remaining three Cape Class vessels are at various stages of construction and will be delivered progressively through to August 2015, in line with the contract.

Austal Australia President Graham Backhouse said: “The launch of Cape Jervis, on time, in accordance with a demanding production schedule is great testament to the productivity and efficiency of our workforce. Achieving these timeframes is only possible through combined efforts and close collaboration with the Commonwealth and our industry partners. The efficiencies gained through the CCPB Program reinforce Austal’s strategy of being a competitive global Defence Prime Contractor that designs and constructs ships, integrates systems and provides ongoing through life support 24/7.”

Cape Jervis is a state of the art maritime defence capability that will play a significant role in protecting Australia’s borders from multiple maritime threats. It has been designed to have greater range, endurance and flexibility – as well as enhanced capability to operate in more severe sea conditions and across longer range – than the current fleet of Customs and Border Protection vessels and indeed the Royal Australian Navy Patrol Boat fleet.

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Press release; Image: Austal