Austal Limited (ASX:ASB) is pleased to announce that Austal Australia has been awarded a contract extension for the construction of two additional Evolved Cape-class Patrol Boats, to be delivered to the Australian Border Force (ABF). The A$137.02 million contract brings the total number of Evolved Cape-class Patrol Boats to be constructed by Austal to 12, with eight delivered to date.
December 23, 2024 -- Austal Limited Chief Executive Officer Paddy Gregg said the two additional Evolved Cape-class Patrol Boats for the ABF will further enhance the capabilities of Maritime Border Command and ‘Operation Sovereign Borders’, tasked with the ongoing protection of Australia’s maritime borders.
“The eight Evolved Capes delivered by Austal since 2020, operating with the Royal Australian Navy, are making a significant contribution to our maritime and border security. These additional vessels for the Australian Border Force will further enhance the capability for maritime surveillance and border patrols throughout Northern Australia.
“Austal previously delivered eight, original Cape-class Patrol Boat fleet to the Australian Border Force from 2012 to 2015; it’s a testament to the vessel’s capability and our team’s shipbuilding expertise that we’re now tasked with constructing two Evolved Capes for the ABF; their first Evolved Capes, to enhance their existing capabilities for this important mission,” Mr Gregg said.
In brief
Austal Limited says its Australian subsidiary has received a A$137.02 million contract extension to build two more Evolved Cape-class Patrol Boats for the Australian Border Force. The award brings the planned total for the vessel program to 12 boats, with eight delivered so far. The two new vessels will be the Border Force’s first Evolved Cape-class boats and are intended to support maritime surveillance and border patrols in Northern Australia. Austal says two vessels are currently under construction at its Henderson shipyard in Western Australia. The boats are part of the SEA1445-1 project and feature accommodation for up to 32 people, along with upgraded quality-of-life and sustainment systems.
Key takeaways
- Austal Australia was awarded a A$137.02 million extension to build two patrol boats for the Australian Border Force.
- The contract brings the Evolved Cape-class program total to 12 vessels; eight have been delivered.
- The new boats will be the Border Force’s first Evolved Cape-class Patrol Boats.
- Austal says the vessels will support maritime surveillance and patrols in Northern Australia.
The SEA1445-1 Evolved Cape-class Patrol Boat (ECCPB) project, initially constructing six 58-metre aluminium monohull patrol boats for the Royal Australian Navy from May 2020, was extended by two vessels in April 2022, and a further two vessels in February 2024. With the support of Austal’s proven supply chain partners and project teams from the Department of Defence and Royal Australian Navy, Austal has delivered eight ECCPB’s to date. Two vessels are currently under construction at Austal’s shipyard Henderson in Western Australia.
The eleventh and twelfth ECCPB’s will add to the Australian Border Force’s existing fleet of eight original Cape-class Patrol Boats, delivered by Austal from 2012 – 2015.
Designed and constructed by Austal Australia, the Evolved Cape-class Patrol Boats feature larger amenities to accommodate up to 32 people, improved quality of life systems and advanced sustainment intelligence systems that further enhance capabilities at sea. The patrol boats are utilised for a wide variety of constabulary and naval missions and play a critical role in Australia’s national security, as a high-performing, reliable and effective maritime asset with both the Royal Australian Navy and Australian Border Force.
In-Service Support for the Cape, and Evolved Cape Patrol Boat fleets operated by the Australian Border Force, Royal Australian Navy is provided by Austal Australia through dedicated service centres located in Henderson, Western Australia; Cairns, Queensland; and Darwin, Northern Territory.
Austal Australia is also contracted to deliver 24 steel-hulled Guardian-class Patrol Boats to the Commonwealth of Australia under the Pacific Patrol Boat Replacement Project (SEA3036-1) and has delivered 22 vessels since 2018.
This ASX announcement has been approved and authorised for release by Paddy Gregg, Austal Limited’s Chief Executive Officer.
Austal Australia has been awarded a contract extension for two additional Evolved Cape-class Patrol Boats, to be delivered to the Australian Border Force (Image: Austal Australia)
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At a glance
- Company
- Austal Limited
- Ticker
- ASX: ASB
- Announcement
- Award
Key figures
- Contract extension
- A$137.02 million
- Evolved Cape-class Patrol Boats planned in total
- 12
- Evolved Cape-class Patrol Boats delivered to date
- eight
- Additional boats under the contract
- two
- People accommodated
- up to 32
People
- Paddy GreggAustal Limited Chief Executive Officer
Products and programs
Earlier from Austal Limited
- Australian Government announces Landing Craft Heavy Design to be constructed at Henderson Defence Precinct
- Austal Australia delivers 21st Guardian-class Patrol Boat
- Austal USA awarded US$450 million contract to expand submarine module production capacity
- AUSTAL REPORTS IMPROVED EBIT OF $56.5 MILLION IN FY2024, WITH ORDER BOOK WORTH UP TO $12.7 BILLION
- Austal USA awarded contract modification for two additional Landing Craft Utility (LCU) for US Navy
