Austal has turned over the ninth Evolved Cape-class patrol boat, the ADV Cape Spencer (P225), to the Royal Australian Navy.
The vessel was assembled at the company’s Henderson shipyard in Western Australia under a contract signed in 2020, which aims for a modern fleet capable of border security, surveillance, and naval missions that safeguard the Oceanian country’s maritime domain.
The original order for six boats was later increased to 10 through contract extensions in 2022 and 2024.
Austal Limited Chief Executive Officer Paddy Gregg said the milestone highlights the strength of Australia’s naval industry and 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 said.
“That’s an incredible track record of performance, of which everyone involved in the project — from individual contractors and SMEs to major component suppliers — may be proud.”
After the Cape Spencer’s delivery, only one vessel — the future Cape Hawke (P226) — remains under construction, while two more patrol boats are being built for the Australian Border Force at the same facility.
Evolved Cape: Specifications
Each Evolved Cape measures 58 meters (190 feet) long and can carry up to 32 personnel. The vessel is equipped with modern electronic displays, optical sensors, automatic tracking systems, and .50-caliber machine guns.
It is powered by two Caterpillar 3516C diesel engines producing a combined 6,770 horsepower, driving twin shafts with the support of a bow thruster.
The platform can reach speeds of 26 knots (48 kilometers/30 miles per hour) and has a range of up to 4,000 nautical miles (7,408 kilometers/4,603 miles) without refueling.
