Austal has officially delivered the ninth Evolved Cape-class patrol boat, the ADV Cape Spencer (P225), to the Royal Australian Navy. This vessel was assembled at Austal’s Henderson shipyard in Western Australia, following a contract initiated in 2020. The project is part of Australia’s strategic efforts to establish a modern fleet capable of executing border security, surveillance, and naval missions crucial for safeguarding the country’s maritime domain.
Initially, the Royal Australian Navy ordered six patrol boats, but the contract size was expanded to ten vessels following extensions in 2022 and 2024. Austal Limited’s Chief Executive Officer, Paddy Gregg, emphasized the significance of this milestone, highlighting the robustness of Australia’s naval industry and its supply chain.
“With the support of our valued supply chain, industry and project partners, Austal has now delivered nine Evolved Capes to Defence in a little over five years,” Gregg remarked. He recognized the collective accomplishments of everyone involved in the project, from individual contractors and small to medium enterprises (SMEs) to major component suppliers, underscoring their pride in this achievement.
Following the delivery of the Cape Spencer, only one vessel, the future Cape Hawke (P226), is still under construction. Additionally, the Henderson facility is housing the construction of two more patrol boats intended for the Australian Border Force.
In terms of specifications, each Evolved Cape-class patrol boat measures 58 meters (190 feet) in length and can accommodate up to 32 personnel. Equipped with advanced electronic displays, optical sensors, automatic tracking systems, and .50-caliber machine guns, the design prioritizes modern naval operations. The vessels are powered by two Caterpillar 3516C diesel engines, generating a total of 6,770 horsepower and optimized for efficiency through twin shafts and a bow thruster.
The vessels offer impressive speed capabilities, reaching up to 26 knots (48 kilometers/30 miles per hour) and a remarkable operational range of up to 4,000 nautical miles (7,408 kilometers/4,603 miles) without the need for refueling. The successful delivery of the Cape Spencer marks a significant achievement in enhancing Australia’s maritime capabilities.
