Based on Austal’s proven 58-metre aluminium monohull design, the Evolved Capes include a number of enhancements that further extend the capability of the vessel and the fleet.
The Evolved Cape-class patrol boats include modifications determined through the extensive in-service experience of the two RAN and eight Australian Border Force Capes, operating throughout Northern Australia waters.
Crew capacity on the Evolved Capes has been increased by 10 people, and quality-of-life provisions have been enhanced, ensuring those who operate the new patrol boats have connectivity to the outside world.
For the record, Austal Australia has been awarded a A$324 million contract to design and construct six evolved Cape-class Patrol Boats (CCPBs) for the RAN.
Austal Australia is on track to deliver this first vessel in the first quarter of 2022, with the remaining five Evolved Capes in various stages of construction at the company’s shipyard in Henderson, Western Australia.
The new vessels, to be constructed at Austal’s Henderson shipyard in Western Australia, will add to the RAN’s existing fleet of two CCPB’s delivered in 2017 and further extends Austal’s Cape-class Patrol Boat program to a total of 18 vessels. This includes eight patrol boats operated by the Australian Border Force and two currently under construction for the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard.
