The vessel, Austal Hull 814, was launched at the Henderson, Western Australia shipyard following approximately 12 months of construction and just 3 months after the launch of the 3rd ECCPB, in June 2022.
“Austal Australia is proud to be engaging over 300 suppliers from Western Australia and across the nation to help construct the eight Evolved Cape-class Patrol Boats on order from Defence Australia.”
Austal statement
Two Evolved Cape-class Patrol Boats have been delivered to the Royal Australian Navy so far:
- ADVÂ Cape Otway was delivered in March 2022
- ADVÂ Cape Peron was delivered in August 2022.
Two ECCPB are currently at fitting out stage alongside and four more at various stages of construction,
ECCPB project one year late
On the same day, Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said the project was late during a press conference: “As our Government has come to office, we have inherited a defence procurement mess. A complete mess. Under the Coalition Government, we saw 28 different projects running a cumulative total of 97 years over time. The Hunter Class frigates – four years over time, $15 billion over budget. The Spartan Battlefield Airlifters – 4.5 years over time and unable to fly into battlefields. Offshore Patrol Vessels – a year over time. And the Cape Class Patrol Boat – another year over time”.
The Albanese Government announced it is “moving to rectify significant and systemic issues in the delivery of crucial Defence capabilities”.
About ECCPB
With greater capability than the benchmark Cape-class Patrol Boats, the Evolved Capes feature new, larger amenities to accommodate up to 32 people, improved quality of life systems and advanced sustainment intelligence systems that further enhance the Royal Australian Navy’s ability to fight and win at sea.
The Evolved Cape-class Patrol Boat Project (SEA1445-1) is employing approximately 400 people directly in Western Australia and engaging more than 300 supply chain partners across Australia.
