The Royal Australian Navy has received its third of eight Evolved Cape-class patrol boats from Austal Australia.
The ADV Cape Naturaliste was handed over three months after the second Cape vessel, ADV Cape Peron. The first Evolved Cape boat, ADV Cape Otway, was delivered in March.
In 2020, Austal and the Commonwealth of Australia signed a $324 million agreement for six Evolved Cape-class patrol boats. This year, a $124 million contract for two additional vessels was announced.
Work for the program is being performed at Austal’s facility in Henderson, Western Australia. It involves the contribution of 400 employees and 300 supply chain partners in the country.
All eight vessels are expected to be delivered by 2024.
“Austal has now delivered three Evolved Capes to the Royal Australian Navy since the contract was signed in May 2020,” Austal Limited CEO Paddy Gregg said.
“Our productivity has improved with each new vessel, to the point where Austal is launching a new Evolved Cape after just 12 months construction.”
“The fourth vessel, the future ADV Cape Capricorn, is alongside now and we have four more Evolved Capes at various stages of production, here in Henderson.”
Australia’s Evolved Cape-Class
The Evolved Cape program is intended to replace the Royal Australian Navy’s Armidale-class patrol fleet.
Each Evolved Cape has a 58-meter (190 feet) aluminum monohull design with the capacity for up to 32 personnel. It also includes improved “life systems and advanced sustainment intelligence systems” to expand the fleet’s naval capabilities.
Once completed, the Evolved Cape patrol fleet will play an important role in Australia’s national security and other maritime missions.
