WEST Australian shipbuilder Austal has delivered its ninth Evolved Cape Class Patrol Boat (ECCPB) in five years to the Royal Australian Navy.
ADV Cape Spencer (225) is the ninth of 10 ECCPBs under the contract with the Navy to be built at Austal’s Henderson shipyard.
An Austal media release announcing the delivery said the SEA 1445 Phase 1 Evolved Cape Class Patrol Boat project, originally awarded for six 58-metre aluminium monohull patrol boats in May 2020, was extended by two additional vessels in April 2022 and a further two in February 2024, bringing the total to 10 vessels.
“With the delivery of Cape Spencer, one ECCPB (the future Cape Hawke) remains under construction for the Royal Australian Navy, while two more ECCPB’s are also under construction for the Australian Border Force at Austal’s Henderson shipyard in Western Australia,” the release said.
“The Evolved Capes feature larger amenities to accommodate up to 32 people, enhanced quality of life systems and advanced sustainment intelligence systems that further improve the Royal Australian Navy’s operational capability. The patrol boats support a wide variety of constabulary and naval missions and continue to play a critical role in Australia’s national security as a reliable and effective maritime asset.”
Austal Australia provides 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, through dedicated service centres in Henderson (WA), Cairns (QLD) and Darwin (NT).
In addition to the Evolved Capes for the Royal Australian Navy and Australian Border Force, Austal Australia continues to deliver Guardian Class Patrol Boats under the Pacific Patrol Boat Replacement Project (SEA 3036 Phase 1) for the Department of Defence, with 22 of 24 vessels contracted delivered since 2018.