Austal bags deal for two additional evolved Cape-class patrol boats

Austal Australia has been awarded a contract extension for the construction of two additional evolved Cape-class patrol boats for the Royal Australian Navy.

The A$157 million contract follows the procurement announcement made by the Commonwealth of Australia (CoA) on 23 November 2023 and brings the total number of evolved Cape-class patrol boats being delivered to the navy, under the SEA1445-1 Project, to ten.

“These additional Evolved Capes, designed and constructed by Austal in Henderson, Western Australia, are helping us to retain and build our sovereign, naval shipbuilding workforce and continue to engage supply chain partners from across Australia,” Austal Limited Chief Executive Officer Paddy Gregg said.

“The Evolved Capes are also enhancing the Navy’s operations throughout Northern Australia, adding greater capability for maritime surveillance and border patrols, as part of the ongoing Operation Sovereign Borders mission.”

The SEA1445-1 project, initially constructing six 58-meter aluminium monohull patrol boats for the Royal Australian Navy from May 2020, was extended by two vessels in April 2022.

The first five evolved Cape-class patrol boats, Cape Otway, Cape Peron, Cape Naturaliste, Cape Capricorn and Cape Woolamai were delivered within an eighteen-month period, from March 2022.

Following the sixth and most recent delivery, Cape Pillar, in October 2023, there are two evolved Capes currently under construction.

The boats feature 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. The patrol boats are utilized for a wide variety of constabulary and naval missions and play a critical role in Australia’s national security.

In-service support for the Cape, Evolved Cape and Guardian-class patrol boat fleets operated by the Australian Border Force, Royal Australian Navy and Pacific Island nations is provided by Austal Australia through dedicated service centers located in Henderson, Western Australia; Cairns, Queensland; and Darwin, Northern Territory.

Austal Australia is also contracted to deliver 22 steel-hulled Guardian-class patrol boats to the Commonwealth of Australia under the Pacific Patrol Boat Replacement Project (SEA3036-1) and has delivered 18 vessels since 2018.