Austal delivers Evolved Cape-class Patrol Boat Cape Otway to Australia.

According to a press release published by Austal Limited (Austal) on March 24, 2022, the firm is pleased to announce Austal Australia has delivered the first of six Evolved Cape-class Patrol Boats (ECCPB’s) to the Royal Australian Navy.
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Evolved Cape-class Patrol Boat Cape Otway (Picture source: Austal)

The vessel, ADV Cape Otway, was officially accepted and named by the Minister for Defence, The Hon. Peter Dutton MP at a ceremony held at Austal’s Henderson, Western Australia, shipyard. 

Speaking at the delivery ceremony, Austal Limited Chief Executive Officer Mr Paddy Gregg said the first Evolved Cape-class Patrol Boat to be delivered reflects the collective skills, teamwork and capability of the national naval shipbuilding enterprise.

The 58-metre aluminium monohull patrol boat is the first of six to be delivered to the Royal Australian Navy under a A$324 million contract awarded to Austal Australia in May 2020.

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 will further enhance the Royal Australian Navy’s ability to fight and win at sea.

Propulsion machinery consists of two Caterpillar 3516C diesel engines, providing 5,050 kW (6,770 hp) to two propeller shafts. A 160 kW (210 hp) bow thruster is also fitted. Maximum speed is 25 knots (46 km/h; 29 mph), with a range of 4,000 nautical miles (7,400 km; 4,600 mi) at 12 knots (22 km/h; 14 mph), and an endurance of 28 days.