Austal launches fifth Cape Class Patrol Boat

Austal has celebrated the launch of the fifth in-series Cape Class Patrol Boat (CCPB) at their facility in Henderson, Western Australia.

Cape Jervis is the fifth of eight 58-metre patrol boats that are being delivered to the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service (ACBPS) by Austal as Prime Contractor under a design, build and in-service sustainment contract, valued at approximately $330 million.

Under the contract, Austal is also using its in-house expertise to develop and integrate sophisticated electronic systems for command, control and communication.

The launch ceremony marked the first time the boat has been lowered into the water.

With the vessel in the water, Austal is on target to achieve full vessel completion and sea trials prior to an official naming ceremony and final delivery to ACBPS in the first quarter of 2015.

Meanwhile, Cape Sorell (CCPB04), will be delivered to ACBPS toward the end of 2014.

The remaining three Cape Class vessels are at various stages of construction and will be delivered progressively through to August 2015, in line with the contract.