Austal splashes Australian Navy’s final evolved Cape-class patrol boat

September 23, 2025, by Fatima Bahtić

Austal Australia has launched the tenth and final evolved Cape-class patrol (ECCPB), ADV Cape Hawke, constructed for the Royal Australian Navy.

The launching ceremony took place at Henderson shipyard, Western Australia. The Evolved Cape-class Patrol Boat (ECCPB) program represents a significant enhancement of Australia’s maritime security capabilities.

Developed by Austal Australia under the SEA1445 Phase 1 project, this initiative aims to replace the aging Armidale-class patrol boats and provide an interim solution until the Arafura-class offshore patrol vessels are operational.

“The successful launch of ADV Cape Hawke further reinforces Austal’s performance and reliability as Australia’s strategic shipbuilder in Western Australia. Constructing ten Evolved Cape-class Patrol Boats in just over five years is a testament to the capability of our workforce and supply chain partners in delivering trusted naval capability for the Royal Australian Navy,” Paddy Gregg, CEO of Austal Limited, said.

The 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, bringing the total to ten vessels.

The ninth ship in this class, HMAS Cape Spencer, was delivered earlier this month.