Australia commissions final Evolved Cape-class patrol boats

HMAS Cape Spencer and HMAS Cape Hawke seen here berthed at HMAS Cairns prior to their dual commissioning ceremony in Queensland. (Commonwealth of Australia)

The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) has commissioned its final two Evolved Cape-class patrol vessels.

The vessels, HMAS Cape Spencer and HMAS Cape Hawke , were inducted in a dual commissioning ceremony at HMAS Cairns on 27 August, the Australian Department of Defence (DoD) announced on the same day.

It marks the completion of Project SEA 1445 Phase 1, which seeks to strengthen the RAN's ability to carry out border protection, maritime constabulary, and law-enforcement support operations.

The Evolved Cape-class programme was launched by Canberra to provide a bridging capability as the RAN prepared for the introduction of the Arafura-class offshore patrol vessels.

Built by Austal at its Henderson shipyard in Western Australia, the Evolved Cape-class design is based on the original Cape-class patrol boat operated by both the RAN and the Australian Border Force (ABF).

Enhancements to the Evolved Cape class include improved accommodation and habitability features, as well as a holding cell that can better accommodate detainees while at sea.

Each Evolved Cape-class patrol boat measures 58.1 m in length and has a beam of 10.6 m.

The class is powered by two Caterpillar 3516C diesel engines driving twin propeller shafts, and is capable of speeds of about 26 kt.

It has a range exceeding 4,000 n miles and its improved design supports a crew of around 32 personnel, with room for embarked law-enforcement teams and detainees.

Each vessel is armed with two 12.7 mm machine guns and can carry two rigid hull inflatable boats (RHIBs) to assist with interdiction operations against suspicious vessels.