Austal begins sea trials for pacific patrol boat

Austal has commenced sea trials for the first Guardian-class vessel of the Pacific Patrol Boat Replacement (PPB-R) Program.

The PPB-R program will see 21 Austal designed and built patrol boats gifted by the Commonwealth to the Pacific Island Nations.

The PPB-R contract was awarded to Austal in May, 2016 and is valued at AU$305 million (US$225 million) for the original 19 vessels.

A further contract was awarded in April, 2018 for two additional vessels valued at AU$29.7 million.