David Brekenridge News

Demonstrating the rapid progress of the Cape Class Patrol Boat Program, Austal today hosted the keel-laying ceremony for the third vessel, Cape Nelson, one of eight 56-meter patrol boats that Austal is designing, building and supporting for the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service. Keel-laying traditionally marks the first significant milestone in a ship’s construction. Historically this was the “laying down” of the main timber making up the backbone of a vessel. Austal’s advanced shipbuilding techniques means fabrication of ship modules begins well before they are actually joined.

Demonstrating the rapid progress of the Cape-class Patrol Boat Program, Austal has hosted the keel-laying ceremony for the third vessel, 'Cape Nelson', one of eight 56-metre patrol boats that Austal is designing, building and supporting for the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service. The three coins were placed under the keel block by Michael Pezzullo, Chief Executive Officer, Australian Customs and Border Protection Services; David Brekenridge, Chief Engineer Australian Customs and Border Protection Services; and Graham Backhouse, President and General Manager Austal.