Austal receives $39m patrol boat order

The federal government has ordered two additional Guardian-class Patrol Boats from Perth international shipbuilder Austal Australia, valued at approximately $39 million.

The 39.5-metre steel-hull patrol boats, to be constructed at Henderson in Western Australia and scheduled for delivery in 2026, are in addition to the 22 Guardian-class Patrol Boats previously ordered by Canberra under the Pacific Patrol Boat Replacement Project (SEA3036-1) since 2016.

Nineteen of the 22 vessels have been delivered to 12 Pacific Island nations under the government’s Pacific Maritime Security Program since 2018.

Austal Chief Executive Officer Paddy Gregg said the additional patrol boats would extend the production of the vessels.

Gregg said: “Of the 30 vessels Austal Australia has delivered since 2018, 19 have been Guardian-class Patrol Boats for the Australian Department of Defence.

“These vessels were designed and constructed by our team here in Western Australia, with the support of our highly capable supply chain partners.

“We also provide in-service support to the 12 Pacific Island nations operating the Guardians, through our growing service centre in Cairns, Queensland.”

Guardian class are faster than the previous Pacific-class patrol boats, with improved seakeeping, better amenities, and an enhanced mission capability – including an integrated RHIB stern launch and recovery system.

They have the capability to carry out border patrols, regional policing, search and rescue, and many other operations domestically and internationally.

The Pacific Patrol Boat Replacement Project now comprises 24 Guardian-class Patrol Boats and a total contract value of approximately $400 million.

Picture: Austal/Guardian class