Australian Navy welcomes 2nd evolved Cape-class patrol boat

Austal Australia has delivered the second of eight Evolved Cape-class Patrol Boats (ECCPB’s) to the Royal Australian Navy.

The vessel, ADV Cape Peron, was officially accepted by the Commonwealth of Australia on 4 August. The 58-meter aluminium monohull patrol boat, which was launched in March this year, is the second of eight to be delivered to the Australian Navy.

The first evolved Cape-class patrol boat, ADV Cape Otway, was delivered in March 2022, following approximately 18 months of construction.

The six remaining vessels are in various stages of production at Austal’s Henderson, Western Australia shipyard and deliveries are scheduled progressively through to 2024.

Austal Chief Executive Officer Paddy Gregg said the delivery of the second evolved Cape-class patrol boat highlights the critical importance of the vessel as a capability to the Australian Navy, and Australia’s national naval shipbuilding enterprise. 

“The Evolved Cape-class Patrol Boats are not only enhancing the Royal Australian Navy’s capability, but further strengthening Australia’s sovereign shipbuilding capability, which is more important than ever before,” Gregg said.

“Austal continues to engage over 300 defence industry partners across Australia to construct the Evolved Cape-class Patrol Boats. We’re part of the national naval shipbuilding enterprise that is delivering enhanced capability for the Navy, protecting Australia’s borders, and maintaining security in our region.”

The company is also contracted to deliver 21 Guardian-class patrol boats to Australia under the Pacific Patrol Boat Replacement Project (SEA3036-1) and has delivered 15 vessels to date.