Austal splashes 6th evolved Cape-class patrol boat for RAN

Shipbuilding company Austal has launched the sixth evolved Cape-class patrol vessel for the Royal Australian Navy (RAN).

The vessel, Austal Hull 816, was launched at the Henderson, Western Australia shipyard following 12 months of construction and just over 3 months after the launch of the 5th ECCPB, the future ADV Cape Woolamai, in February 2023.

The 58-metre aluminium monohull patrol boat is the sixth of eight to be delivered to the Royal Australian Navy.

The company delivered four evolved Cape-class patrol boats, ADV Cape Otway, ADV Cape Peron, ADV Cape Naturaliste, and ADV Cape Capricorn were delivered in March, August and November 2022, and in February 2023, respectively.

he vessels are deployed by the Australian Border Force to;

• Counter people, drug and weapons smuggling;
• Apprehend foreign fishing vessels;
• Gather information and intelligence;
• Monitor environmental pollution; and
• Assist management of offshore nature reserves and marine parks.

In December 2015, Austal was awarded a contract to construct two Cape-class Patrol Boats (Austal hulls 380, 381) for the Royal Australian Navy at the company’s Henderson, Western Australia shipyard.