Keel Laid for Third Cape-class Patrol Boat at Austal Shipyard

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. In doing so, the keel block was formally positioned by two of Austal’s apprentices, Wes Ramshaw and Jacob Kerr.

Austal was awarded the contract for the design, construction and through-life support of the Cape Class patrol boats for the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service in August 2011. The eight 58 metre aluminium monohulls are due to be delivered between March 2013 and August 2015.

The Cape-class Patrol Boats will be able to:

• Undertake 28 day patrols;
• Sail 4,000 nautical miles before having to refuel;
• Combat the full range of maritime security threats;
• Carry a larger crew to more effectively and safely manage boarding operations;
• Identify, track and intercept an extended range of threats in the maritime domain and gather intelligence and store evidence for matters that may proceed to the courts; and
• Launch two Tender Response Vessels simultaneously.

Customs and Border Protection patrol boats may be deployed according to aerial surveillance, community reports and/or radar sightings.

Pictured: 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.