Evolved Cape-Class Patrol Boat [Austal rendering]
While Austal U.S.A. is considering its choices after losing out on the UNITED STATE Navy’s FFG( X) task, Austal Australia has actually been granted an A$ 324 million (concerning US$ 208 million) agreement to layout and also construct 6 progressed Cape- course Patrol Boats (CCPBs) for the Royal Australian Navy.
It is the biggest agreement for an Australian vessel building program ever before granted Austal in its three decades background
The 6 brand-new vessels, to be built at Austal’s Henderson shipyard in Western Australia, will certainly contribute to the Royal Australian Navy’s (RAN) existing fleet of 2 CCPB’s supplied in 2017 and also expands Austal’s Cape- course Patrol Boat program to a total amount of 18 vessels. This consists of 8 patrol watercrafts run by the Australian Border Force and also 2 presently unfinished for the Trinidad and also Tobago Coast Guard.
Based on Austal’s verified 58 meter light weight aluminum monohull layout, the brand-new progressed Capes will certainly consist of a variety of improvements that consist of alterations identified via the substantial in-service experience of the Capes presently running throughout Northern Australia.
Crew capability has actually been boosted by 10 individuals, to currently complete 32 and also quality-of-life stipulations have actually been improved, guaranteeing those that run the brand-new Capes have connection to the outdoors no matter the operating atmosphere. Further renovations have actually been included right into the brand-new RAN Cape layout, created throughout the layout and also building of 2 Cape- course patrol watercrafts for the Trinidad and also Tobago Coast Guard; an export agreement granted on 16th August 2019 and also won with the solid assistance of the Australian Government and also Export Finance Australia.
Austal Chief Executive Officer David Singleton stated the brand-new agreement both declared the Cape course as Australia’s transcendent patrol watercraft system and also stood for a clear dedication by the Australian Government to enhance Australia’s sovereign shipbuilding sector.
“Since its introduction by the Australian Border Force (ABF) in 2013, the Cape-class has proven to be a high-performing, reliable and effective maritime asset, utilised for a wide variety of constabulary and naval missions, playing a critical role in Australia’s national security,” statedSingleton “With 10 Capes presently in procedure with the ABF and also RAN, it is a wise, sensible action to build on the existing fleet with added vessels that will certainly boost the country’s capability to secure and also protect our maritime boundaries.
The proposition to change the existing fleet of 13 Armidale- course patrol watercrafts (developed and also produced by Austal) with brand-new, progressed Capes was initial recommended by Robert Jackson, Head of Business Development– Sustainment at Austal.
“The Defence department is always seeking smart cost saving ideas and I knew that jobs in the industry was a critical issue for everyone, so I proposed replacing older Armidales with newer, larger, more efficient Capes. That concept was supported at Austal and I’m thrilled to see that as a result of this proposal, jobs are being created at a critical time while also supporting the Royal Australian Navy with enhanced capability and lower operating costs,” Jackson stated.
“This new contract will ensure Austal continues to engage the thousands of suppliers that are contributing to the success of the current Cape-class program, the SEA3036-1 Pacific Patrol Boat Replacement Project (Guardian-class Patrol Boat program) and the multiple commercial ferry projects being delivered by Austal Australia. “In total, we’re talking about more than a thousand jobs across Australia that will be maintained, and continue to develop; building our nation’s sovereign shipbuilding capability.”
