The first-in-class of the new offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) HMAS Arafura has been formally welcomed into active service by the Royal Australian Navy (RAN).
The OPV, the first of two vessels being built by Luerssen Australia at the Osborne Naval Shipyard in South Australia, entered into the fleet at a commissioning ceremony in Western Australia on Saturday.
The second OPV, the future HMAS Eyre, has been built and is awaiting acceptance by the RAN. Another four Arafura-class OPVs are under construction at Henderson in Western Australia.
The six ships will form part of a wider RAN capability providing civil maritime security and regional engagement in the Southwest Pacific and maritime Southeast Asia.
The 80-metre vessels have a maximum speed of 22 knots and a 4,000 nautical mile range. A Defence Australia press statement said the Arafura-class OPVs “will help patrol and secure Australia’s maritime border alongside the evolved Cape class patrol boats,” and “will also play a role in humanitarian and disaster relief, enhance regional engagement and support other Navy missions.”
RAN Chief of Navy, V.Adm Mark Hammond said: “A strong Australia relies on a strong Navy, one that is equipped to conduct diplomacy in our region, deter potential adversaries, and defend our national interests when called.
“The Arafura-class offshore patrol vessels will perform a number of roles, including regional engagement, patrol duties, and employment of uncrewed systems in a variety of missions.”
At Saturday’s commissioning ceremony Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles commented: “The commissioning of HMAS Arafura marks an important milestone in the implementation of the Government’s Surface Fleet Review.”
He added: “The commissioning of HMAS Arafura is a turning point, and we will continue to see the Navy introduce new vessels into its fleet.”
Minister for Defence Industry, Pat Conroy noted: “The delivery of these offshore patrol vessels is an excellent example of our partnership with defence industry in action.
He went on: “The construction of the remaining four ships is on track, and continues the Australian Government’s investment in a productive, continuous naval shipbuilding and sustainment industry.”
Minister for Defence Personnel Matt Keogh added: “HMAS Arafura delivers on our plan for Australian workers to build vessels for the fleet faster than Australia has for decades, to ensure the Navy has what it needs to secure our national interests at sea.
“Arafura also provides improved living quarters and amenities to support our highly skilled naval personnel as they patrol and protect our coastline.”
