Austal delivers 16th Guardian class patrol boat FSS David W. Panuelo to Micronesia.

According to a PR published by Austal Limited (Austal) on August 11, 2023, the company handed over its 16th Guardian-class Patrol Boat FSS David W. Panuelo to the Australian Defence Department, which was then presented to the Federated States of Micronesia in a ceremony at the Austal shipyard in Henderson, Western Australia.
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Micronesian Guardian class patrol boat FSS Tosiwo Nakayama. (Picture source: Australian DFAT)

This marks the second such vessel Micronesia has received from Australia as part of the Pacific Maritime Security Program. The patrol boat, boasting better speed, amenities, and mission capability, aids Micronesia in activities ranging from border patrols to search and rescue missions.

Austal Australia was entrusted with the Pacific Patrol Boat Replacement Project in 2016, aiming to deliver 22 vessels, worth over A$350 million, to various Pacific Island nations.

The firm also maintains a support center in Cairns, offering service to the expanding Guardian-class fleet. The design of the 39.5-meter steel patrol boat is rooted in proven platforms used by the Australian Border Force and Royal Australian Navy.

Technical data

The Guardian-class patrol boats feature a steel monohull design and have the capacity to cover 3,000 nautical miles at 12 knots, reaching top speeds of 20 knots. These vessels can accommodate 23 crew members and include a stern launching ramp for search, rescue, and pursuit activities.

Equipped with twin Caterpillar 3516C diesel engines, they produce 4,000 kilowatts and employ sophisticated electronic engine controls. While they are delivered unarmed, their design facilitates the mounting of an autocannon of up to 30 millimeters on the foredeck, and a heavy machine gun on either side of the bridge.

One main deck stateroom, designed with two bunks and separate ventilation, can serve as an infirmary for infectious patients.