The Australian defense ministry has ordered two more Evolved Cape-class patrol boats, Australian prime minister Scott Morrison announced during a visit to Austal’s shipyard in Henderson on April 19.
The additional two units will bring the total number of vessels Austal will build for the Royal Australian Navy to eight.
As revealed, the contract for the two boats is worth A$124 million (US$91.5M).
“This announcement for additional Evolved Cape-class patrol boats further strengthens and supports Australian sovereign shipbuilding capability and provides Austal, and our outstanding supply chain partners, with a level of continuity that will provide stability and security for the National Naval Shipbuilding Enterprise,” Austal Limited CEO Paddy Gregg said.
“We look forward to continuing at pace, with all eight Evolved Cape Patrol Boats to be delivered through to 2024, providing long-term commitments to our supply chain partners in the Australian Shipbuilding Industry.”
The order for the additional boats was revealed after Austal delivered the first of the new patrol boats, ADV Cape Otway, in March this year. The vessel was delivered two years after the program kicked off.
The 58-meter vessels are joining the ten units already in service with the navy and the Australian Border Force. The new boats feature a number of enhancements, while crew accommodation has been increased by 10 people, to now total 32.
