Arafura-class offshore patrol vessel (OPV), NUSHIP Arafura, was launched today at the Osborne Naval Shipyard in South Australia – the first in a fleet of 12 OPVs being built for the Royal Australian Navy to replace the Armidale and Cape class patrol boats.
Minister for Defence Peter Dutton said the launch of NUSHIP Arafura was a step forward in protecting Australian borders and offshore interests, providing increased maritime patrol and response capability and interoperability with Australian vessels and regional partners.
“The Arafura-class OPVs represent the future of Australia’s border protection and will be the primary asset for maritime patrol and response duties,” he said. “Our commitment to a secure, stable and prosperous region will be bolstered by the introduction of these vessels, with state-of-the-art sensors and command and communications systems.
Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price said the build of the Arafura-class OPVs is a cornerstone of the Australian Government’s Naval Shipbuilding Plan, which will employ 15,000 workers across the country by 2030.”
“We are committed to a sovereign continuous naval shipbuilding program and I congratulate Australian industry and the workforce involved in building NUSHIP Arafura,” Minister Price said.
“It is a demonstration of Australia’s continued strengthening of our defence capability and represents a $4.7 billion investment in our defence industry.
“Australian industry is building all 12 vessels here in Australia and will continue to sustain them over their lifecycle, delivering long-term local jobs.”
The first two OPVs are being constructed by Luerssen Australia at Osborne Naval Shipyard in South Australia, setting the foundation for continuous shipbuilding before the Hunter Class frigate program progresses through prototyping to construction.
The 10 remaining OPVs will be built by Luerssen Australia at the Henderson Maritime Precinct in Western Australia.
Chief Executive Officer of Luerssen Australia, Jens Nielsen, said it is a proud day for the company after starting construction of the vessel in 2018. “This launch is an important moment in the life of Arafura and it is an opportunity to celebrate and recognise the hard work and commitment of hundreds of people,” he said. “Everyone who has worked on Arafura has a unique place in the Royal Australian Navy’s history and you should be proud of your achievements, thank you. Together we have built a formidable vessel for the Navy.
“Luerssen Australia has an extensive Australian supply chain involved in multiple aspects of the shipbuilding program.
“I am proud of the high level of Australian Industry Content and the large number of close relationships we have forged with our partners, the Program Office and the broader Defence community over the years.”
The AIC percentage for the Program is 63 per cent and Luerssen Australia’s next target is to reach 65 per cent.
The ship’s sponsor who named Arafura upon launch was Nova Peris, the first Aboriginal Australian to win an Olympic gold medal, a descendant from West Arnhem Land and a very proud representative of Northern Australia, where the ship will largely operate. Ms Peris was also the first Aboriginal woman elected to Federal Parliament.
Traditionally ships have sponsors to bestow good luck and protection over the vessel and all who sail on her, and they maintain an ongoing relationship with the vessel.
In a unique twist at the ceremony, instead of champagne, a bottle of water from the Arafura Sea was smashed on the bow to mark the launch of the vessel.
Luerssen Australia became the Prime Contractor on the Sea 1180 program to build twelve Arafura-class OPVs after winning the contract at the end of 2017.