Austal Delivers Eighth Evolved Cape-class Patrol Boat to Royal Australian Navy
Henderson, Western Australia – [Date] – Austal has proudly announced the delivery of the Royal Australian Navy’s eighth Evolved Cape-class patrol boat, the ADV Cape Schanck (313), at its shipbuilding facility in Henderson. This marks a significant milestone in Canberra’s initiative to replace the aging Armidale boats, which have been in service since the early 2000s.
The delivery follows the arrival of the fleet’s seventh ship, the ADV Cape Solander (312), in September 2024. Austal Limited’s CEO, Paddy Gregg, expressed his pride in the achievement, stating, "Austal Australia, with the help of our valued supply chain, industry and project partners, have now delivered eight Evolved Capes to the Royal Australian Navy in just four and a half years."
Gregg commended the Western Australian naval shipbuilding industry for its exemplary performance. "This clearly demonstrates the Henderson Defence Precinct’s capability, productivity, and reliability," he added. He emphasized that Austal, along with its 200+ supply chain partners, is actively contributing to the National Naval Shipbuilding Enterprise and enhancing Australia’s sovereign defense capabilities through the Evolved Cape-class Patrol Boat Project.
The Evolved Cape-class patrol boat is a state-of-the-art vessel, measuring 58 meters (190 feet) in length and capable of accommodating up to 20 passengers. It features advanced electronic display and information systems, an automatic marine identification device, and electronic-optical sensors. The vessel is equipped with .50-caliber machine guns for defense and operates on two powerful 6,770-horsepower Caterpillar 3516C diesel engines, combined with a bow thruster. The ADV Cape Schanck can reach speeds of up to 46 kilometers (29 miles) per hour and has a remarkable range of approximately 4,000 nautical miles (7,408 kilometers).
As the Royal Australian Navy continues to strengthen its maritime capabilities, the successful delivery of these modern patrol boats represents a vital step forward in safeguarding Australia’s interests at sea.
