Australian Border Force orders two additional Evolved Cape-class patrol boats

Austal Australia has been awarded a contract extension for the construction of two additional Evolved Cape-class patrol boats, to be delivered to the Australian Border Force (ABF).

The AU$137 million (US$86 million) contract brings the total number of the boats in the series to be constructed by Austal to 12, with eight delivered to date.

The SEA1445-1 Evolved Cape-class patrol boat (ECCPB) project, initially constructing six 58-metre aluminium monohull patrol boats for the Royal Australian Navy from May 2020, was extended by two vessels in April 2022, and a further two vessels in February 2024.

Austal has delivered eight ECCPB’s to date, and two vessels are currently under construction at Austal’s shipyard at Henderson in Western Australia.

The eleventh and twelfth ECCPB’s will add to the Australian Border Force’s existing fleet of eight original Cape-class patrol boats, delivered by Austal from 2012 – 2015.

Designed and constructed by Austal Australia, the Evolved Cape-class features larger amenities to accommodate up to 32 people, improved quality of life systems and advanced sustainment intelligence systems.