Austal Australia has handed over the ninth Evolved Cape Class Patrol Boat (ECCPB) to the Department of Defence, marking another milestone in its contract with the Naval Shipbuilding and Sustainment Group for the Royal Australian Navy.
The vessel, ADV Cape Spencer (225), was constructed at Austal’s Henderson shipyard in Western Australia and is the ninth of ten patrol boats to be delivered since the program began just over five years ago, the company said in a news release.
Austal Limited Chief Executive Officer Paddy Gregg said the latest delivery underscores both the consistency of the company’s output and the strength of Australia’s naval shipbuilding capability.
“With the support of our valued supply chain, industry and project partners, Austal has now delivered nine Evolved Capes to Defence, in a little over five years,” Gregg said.
“That’s an incredible track record of performance, of which everyone involved in the project—from individual contractors and SMEs, to major component suppliers—may be proud.”
Gregg added that the achievement reflects broader industry collaboration. “This consistent performance reflects the strength and capability of the Henderson Defence Precinct and the sovereign naval shipbuilding enterprise in Western Australia,” he said. “
As the Commonwealth’s Strategic Shipbuilder, Austal will continue to engage new and existing supply chain partners to deliver Evolved Cape and Guardian Class Patrol Boats, while also preparing for the construction of Landing Craft Medium and, pending Government approval, Landing Craft Heavy vessels for the Australian Army.”
The project, known as SEA 1445 Phase 1, was first awarded in May 2020 for six aluminium monohull patrol boats, before being extended by two additional vessels in April 2022 and another two in February 2024, bringing the total to ten.
With the delivery of Cape Spencer, one patrol boat, the future Cape Hawke, remains under construction for the Royal Australian Navy. Two more vessels are also being built for the Australian Border Force at the Henderson facility.
The Evolved Capes are designed with larger amenities to accommodate up to 32 people, upgraded systems to improve quality of life, and advanced sustainment intelligence technology.
According to Austal, these enhancements contribute to strengthening the Navy’s operational capability.
“We offer our warmest congratulations to Defence on the delivery of Cape Spencer, and our sincere thanks to the Austal Australia team, supply chain, project and industry partners for their continued support and commitment,” Gregg said.
The content of this article is based on information supplied by Austal Ltd. For more information, please refer to the official company announcement and communications from Austal. Please consult a licensed and/or registered professional in this area before making any decisions based on the content of this article.
