The Australian Government is investing $124 million in two new patrol boats from Austal, continuing its commitment to keeping borders secure and supporting the defence industry and local jobs.
“We are incredibly proud to be supporting the Royal Australian Navy by providing and enhancing fleet capability; working in collaboration with the Department of Defence and Industry partners,” Austal Limited Chief Executive Officer Paddy Gregg said.
“This announcement for additional Evolved Cape-class Patrol Boats further strengthens and supports Australian sovereign shipbuilding capability and provides Austal, and our outstanding supply chain partners, with a level of continuity that will provide stability and security for the National Naval Shipbuilding Enterprise.”
The additional acquisition of the Evolved Cape Class patrol boats will support the continued employment opportunities for around 400 direct jobs and a further 150 jobs across small and medium businesses in Austal’s supply chain.
The new boats are expected to bring the total investment in industry for the Evolved Cape Class patrol boats to more than $440 million.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said that the plan for a strong economy would strengthen WA’s shipbuilding workforce and support the work of the Navy and Australian Border Force (ABF).
“This investment doesn’t just help secure our borders, it secures hundreds of shipbuilding jobs in Western Australia,” the Prime Minister said.
“Keeping our borders safe is a key priority for my Government, and the acquisition of two more Evolved Cape Class patrol boats will boost the capability of Navy’s patrol force to ensure it is available where and when needed.”
Minister for Defence Peter Dutton said the acquisition of the patrol boats would build the country’s Navy capability and help secure borders.
“These additional patrol boats will strengthen the Navy’s contribution to the nation’s fisheries protection, immigration, customs and drug law enforcement operations,” Minister Dutton said.
“The Evolved Cape class patrol boats will reduce the risk in Navy’s transition from the ageing Armidale class patrol boat fleet to the new, more capable Arafura class offshore patrol vessels.”
Meanwhile, Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price said the acquisition adds to the naval shipbuilding program and ongoing development of the defence industry in Western Australia.
“This is a great shot in the arm for our shipbuilding skills and jobs pipeline with at least 68 per cent of the contract value being invested in the Australian industry,” Minister Price said.
The project adds to the Government’s $30 billion planned investment for dozens of new Navy vessels, which will support 2,000 jobs and hundreds of businesses in the state’s supply chain.
The two additional vessels are expected to be delivered by late 2023, with all eight to be operational by early 2024.
“We look forward to continuing at pace, with all eight Evolved Cape Patrol Boats to be delivered through to 2024, providing long-term commitments to our supply chain partners in the Australian Shipbuilding Industry,” Austral Limited’s CEO Gregg said.
Source: NSW Liberal Party Media Release/Austral Limited Company Announcement. This article has been edited for style and length.