Australian Navy: Keel laid for sixth Arafura-class OPV

September 2, 2025, by Fatima Bahtić

The Royal Australian Navy has held a keel-laying ceremony for the sixth and final Arafura-class offshore patrol vessel (OPV).

As informed, the ceremony for the vessel NUSHIP Carpentaria took place on August 29, 2025, at Henderson, Western Australia. It represents another significant milestone for Australia’s Naval Shipbuilding Program and the Royal Australian Navy.

Each vessel measures 80 meters in length, with a beam of 13 meters and a draft of 4 meters. They can reach a top speed of 20 knots and have an operational range of 4,000 nautical miles.

The standard crew complement is 40, although the ships provide accommodation for up to 60 personnel. Propulsion is delivered by two diesel engines rated at 4,250 kW each.

For small boat operations, the vessels carry two 8.5-metre Boomeranger FRB 850 rigid hull inflatable boats (RHIBs), which are crane-launched, as well as a 10.5-metre Boomeranger C 1100 RHIB, launched from the stern.

In terms of armament, the Arafura-class vessels are equipped with a 25 mm gun and two 50-calibre machine guns, enabling them to undertake a wide range of patrol and security missions.

“The OPV program is a major contributor to continuous naval shipbuilding in Australia, which creates and sustains local jobs and harnesses our national defence industry’s local talent and technology,” Rear Admiral Michael Houghton said.

“A keel laying ceremony which marks the beginning of a ship’s construction, is an important naval tradition which is believed to bring good luck for the vessel’s build and life at sea.”

“OPVs help patrol and secure Australia’s maritime border alongside the Evolved Cape Class patrol boats. They also play an important role in Navy’s commitment to supporting the long-term objectives of the National Defence Strategy.”

The first two vessels were constructed at the Osborne Naval Shipyard in South Australia, with the remaining four currently under construction at the Henderson Maritime Precinct. The first ship, HMAS Arafura, was commissioned into service in June 2025, with the second OPV, NUSHIP Eyre, expected to be delivered later this year.