Austal rolls out fifth Cape Class Patrol Boat for Australia

Austal has launched the fifth Cape Class Patrol Boats (CCPB), Cape Jervis, to the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service (ACBPS) at the company’s Australian Defence Facility in Henderson.

The latest launch forms part of a $330m contract to design, build and support eight 56m-long CCPBs for the ACBPS signed in August 2011.

Austal Australia president Graham Backhouse said: "The launch of Cape Jervis, on time, in accordance with a demanding production schedule is great testament to the productivity and efficiency of our workforce.

"Achieving these timeframes is only possible through combined efforts and close collaboration with the Commonwealth and our industry partners.

"The efficiencies gained through the CCPB Program reinforce Austal’s strategy of being a competitive global Defence Prime Contractor that designs and constructs ships, integrates systems and provides ongoing through life support 24/7."

Aimed at offering greater range, endurance and flexibility in response to maritime security threats, CCPBs can undertake 28 day patrols; sail 4,000nm before being refuelled; and combat the full range of maritime security threats.

The vessels are capable of carrying an increased crew to more effectively and safely manage boarding operations and launch two tender response vessels at the same time.

Further, the patrol vessels would bolster capability to operate in more severe sea conditions and across longer range.

In addition to help managing offshore nature reserves and marine parks, the vessels can contradict people, drug and weapons smuggling; apprehend foreign fishing vessels; accumulate information and intelligence; and keep an eye on environmental pollution.

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Image: Austal’s Cape Jervis Cape Class Patrol Boat for Australian Customs and Border Protection Service (ACBPS). Photo: courtesy of Austal.