RAN takes delivery of 4th evolved Cape-class patrol ship

The Royal Australian Navy has taken delivery of the fourth evolved Cape-class patrol vessel from shipbuilder Austal.

The vessel, ADV Cape Capricorn, was officially accepted by the Commonwealth of Australia. Austal has now delivered four Evolved Capes to the Royal Australian Navy since the contract was signed in May 2020.

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

The patrol boats will be used for a wide variety of constabulary and naval missions and play a critical role in Australia’s national security, as a high-performing, reliable and effective maritime asset.

“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,” Austal Limited Chief Executive Officer, Paddy Gregg, said.