Successful launch for RAN's latest Evolved Cape-class Patrol Boat

AUSTAL Australia has successfully launched the ninth in a series of 12 Evolved Cape-class Patrol Boats (ECCPB) for the Royal Australian Navy.

The future HMAS Cape Spencer, manufactured at Austal’s Henderson shipyard south of Perth was launched on time according to a post on the company’s Facebook page.

Since the SEA1445-1 project was awarded in May 2020, Austal Australia has delivered eight, 58 metre Evolved Cape-class Patrol Boats to the Navy.

Three ECCPBs remain under construction at the Henderson shipyard.

These are the future HMAS Cape Hawke for the Navy, and two vessels for the Australian Border Force.

The Cape-class Patrol Boat (Austal Patrol 58) is a benchmark naval vessel, designed and constructed by Austal Australia, performing multiple roles for border force, coast guard and naval fleets located in Australia and the Caribbean. 

The 58.1 metre, aluminium mono-hull patrol boats can undertake 4000 nautical mile, 28-day patrols, in conditions up to Sea State 4, before having to refuel.

They are designed to combat a full range of maritime security threats and can carry a larger crew to more effectively and safely manage boarding operations.

The vessels can identify, track and intercept an extended range of threats in the maritime domain and gather intelligence and store evidence for potential court cases.

It can also launch two tender response vessels simultaneously.

The new Evolved Cape-class Patrol Boats for the Royal Australian Navy include several enhancements that further extend the capability of the vessel with lessons learned from the experience of the 10 Cape-class Patrol Boats already operating with the Navy and Australian Border Force throughout Northern Australia.

Austal Australia is also building the last two of 24 Guardian-class Patrol Boats contracted for Defence Australia.