Australian shipbuilder Civmec launched the third Arafura-class Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) for the Royal Australian Navy on 31 October 2025.
Civmec Defence Industries (CDI) is proud to announce the successful launch of NUSHIP Pilbara, the third Arafura Class Offshore Patrol Vessel, in Henderson, Western Australia.
NUSHIP Pilbara is the largest naval ship ever built in Western Australia and the first Arafura Class Offshore Patrol Vessel built in Western Australia. It marks a milestone in the development of CDI and Western Australia’s shipbuilding capabilities.
The NUSHIP Pilbara is the first Royal Australian Naval ship named after the Pilbara region of Western Australia.
NUSHIP Pilbara was launched by the ship’s sponsor, Jessica Shaw, the Chief Commissioner of Port Hedland. The ongoing appointment of the Mayor of Port Hedland as the ship’s long-term ship sponsor is a fitting tribute to the historic connection of the Pilbara region to the Australian Defence Force.
The launch represents continued momentum for the SEA 1180 Arafura Offshore Patrol Vessel project. The first two ships built in South Australia have been delivered to Defence, with HMAS Arafura (OPV 1) commissioned in June and NUSHIP Eyre (OPV 2) accepted in August. The remaining four ships are being built in CDI’s naval shipyard in Henderson, Western Australia. NUSHIP Pilbara (OPV 3) will continue to be fitted out and then undergo sea trials ahead of delivery next year. Construction is well underway on NUSHIP Gippsland (OPV 4), NUSHIP Illawarra (OPV 5) and NUSHIP Carpentaria (OPV 6), which had her the keel laying ceremony last August.
The Arafura Class Offshore Patrol Vessels will bring new capabilities to the Royal Australian Navy. The modern 1,625 tonne and 80m long ships will contribute to maritime security, regional engagement and support humanitarian and disaster relief.
Civmec Limited acquired Luerssen Australia in July 2025 as part of a strategic consolidation of its naval shipbuilding operations. The acquired entity has since been renamed Civmec Defence Industries (CDI).
CDI General Manager Mark Clay said, “It is fitting that the largest naval ship ever built in Western Australia is named after the Pilbara and is made of steel. The Pilbara region in Western Australia is known to hold some of the richest deposits of the iron ore that the world requires for steel making and Civmec is highly regarded for its steel fabrication capability.
“Today’s launch is a testament to the craftmanship of CDI, Western Australia’s naval shipbuilders and all our suppliers and partners.
“The project reaches another new phase with on-water activities now commencing in Western Australia. I’m confident in our team’s ability to complete the necessary work and continue the great work of our South Australian counterparts.”
