Royal Australian Navy receives ninth ECCPB from Austal

The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) has received the ninth of ten Evolved Cape-Class Patrol Boat (ECCPB) from Austal Australia.

Named ADV Cape Spencer, will complement other vessels of Royal Australian Navy and Australian Border Force in bolstering civil maritime surveillance and enforcement within its waters.

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The vessel is built under the SEA 1445 Phase 1 ECCPB project by Austal Ships at Henderson shipyard in Western Australia.

The company initially received contract for six 58-metre (m) aluminium monohull patrol boats in May 2020.

The contract was subsequently extended to include two additional vessels in April 2022 and another two in February 2024.

Naval Shipbuilding and Sustainment Deputy Secretary David Hanley said: “Under project SEA1445 Phase 1, the Evolved Cape Class Patrol Boats have been delivered approximately every six months, contributing to Australia’s ability to effectively protect our borders and offshore interests.

“Delivery of the ninth Evolved Cape Class Patrol Boat is a key example of a shared commitment between Defence and Industry to delivering capability to our ADF on time and on budget.”

The tenth and final vessel for the Navy, ADV Cape Hawke, is currently under construction at the shipyard.

Additionally, two ECCPBs are being built for the Australian Border Force at the Henderson facility.

The Evolved Capes are designed to accommodate up to 32 personnel with improved living systems and advanced intelligence systems for sustainment.

These patrol boats are essential for a range of naval missions and are pivotal to national security.

Austal Australia supports these fleets, including those operated by Pacific Island nations, with service centres located in Henderson, Cairns, and Darwin.

Beyond serving the Navy and Border Force, Austal Australia is also delivering Guardian-Class patrol boats under the Pacific Patrol Boat Replacement Project (SEA 3036 Phase 1) for the Department of Defence, with most of the contracted vessels already delivered since 2018.

For the financial year ending on 30 June 2025, Austal reported earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) of A$113.4m and a revenue of A$1.82bn.

The company’s Shipbuilding revenue reported a 34% increase compared to the previous year, driven by new US defence programmes.

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