After the commissioning of HMAS Arafura, Civmec has announced NUSHIP Eyre has completed Sea Acceptance Testing (SAT) in South Australia as part of the Sea 1180 program.
"Congratulations to all involved. This accomplishment marks a significant step forward for the Offshore Patrol Vessel program, as we look now to continue this momentum in Western Australia for OPVs 3 to 6," Luerssen Australia General Manager, Mark Clay, said.
Sea trials are an important step in ensuring the vessel is safe and ready for formal handover. During this phase, SAT is conducted to confirm that all systems are operating as expected.
NUSHIP Eyre is the second of class for the Arafura Class Offshore Patrol Vessels. The Arafura Class will contribute to the Royal Australian Navy’s (RAN) ability to deliver maritime capability. With a displacement of 1,640 tonnes and a length of 80 metres, these vessels are equipped with advanced sensors, command and communication systems, and will support specialist mission packages. The Arafura Class is purpose-built for constabulary missions, maritime patrol and response duties, reinforcing Australia’s strategic maritime duties.
This completion paves the way for the next phase of the Sea 1180 program in Western Australia. Civmec is now looking ahead to the launch of vessel number three, NUSHIP Pilbara later this year.
Civmec is an integrated, multidisciplinary construction and engineering services provider to the Energy, Resources, Infrastructure, Marine and Defence sectors. Headquartered in Henderson, Western Australia, Civmec has regional offices in Newcastle, Gladstone, and Port Hedland.
Its core capabilities include heavy engineering, shipbuilding, modularisation, SMP (structural, mechanical, piping), EIC (electrical, instrumentation and control), precast concrete, site civil works, industrial insulation, maintenance, surface treatment, refractory and access solutions.
Luerssen Australia was a subsidiary of Naval Vessels Lürssen (NVL), an independent, privately owned group of Northern German shipyards and related companies, formerly known as Lürssen Defence. In May 2017, in pursuit of the Sea 1180 contract and regional export opportunities, NVL predecessor Lürssen founded a subsidiary company, Luerssen Australia.
The company supports Australia’s national sovereign shipbuilding strategy and operates from the Australian Marine Complex in Henderson, Western Australia. On 1st July 2025, Luerssen Australia was acquired by Civmec Limited.