Austal successfully launches second CCPB ahead of schedule

Austal has successfully launched second Cape Class Patrol Boat (CCPB), Cape Byron, at the company’s Australian Defence Facility in Henderson Western Australia, four weeks ahead of schedule.

In August 2011, the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service had awarded a contract to Austal to design and construct eight CCPB and also to provide through-life support.

Under the contract, the company will provide eight-year support for a full range of intermediate and depot level maintenance activities and also includes options for in-service support for the CCPBs fleet life.

Austal president and general manager Graham Backhouse said the Cape Byron provide maritime defence capability while playing a significant role in Operation Sovereign Borders, i.e. protecting Australia’s borders from multiple maritime threats.

"A workforce that we believe positions Austal well to provide additional state of the art Maritime defence capability to the Commonwealth of Australia either through more Cape Class vessels or indeed as an early replacement of the current Armidale Class Patrol Boats," Backhouse added.

Capable of providing greater range, endurance and flexibility in responding to maritime security threats, the vessels provide enhanced capability to operate in more severe sea conditions and across longer range.

The CCPBs can undertake 28 day patrols, sail 4,000nm before having to refuel, combat the full range of maritime security threats, carry an increased crew to more effectively and safely manage boarding operations and launch two tender response vessels simultaneously.

In addition to assist management of offshore nature reserves and marine parks, the boats can Counter people, drug and weapons smuggling; Apprehend foreign fishing vessels; gather information and intelligence; and monitor environmental pollution.

Cape Byron is scheduled to be delivered to the Customs and Border Protection in 2Q 2014 following completion of sea trials while the entire fleet is expected to be operational by August 2015.

Image: An Austal-built Cape Class Patrol Boat (CCPB) at sea. Photo: © 2014 Austal.