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Arafura Class offshore patrol vessel NUSHIP Arafura has completed sea trials off the Adelaide coast, according to manufacturer Luerssen Australia.
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The manufacturer has recently received the final sea readiness endorsement and was issued authorisation so NUSHIP Arafura could be formally released and proceed to sea and undertake trials.
Luerssen Australia manager director Malcolm Taylor praised the team involved.
“This is a significant milestone in the program and I commend everyone within Luerssen Australia, NVL, our industry partners and suppliers, and Defence, who have worked so diligently to make it possible,” Taylor said.
“The trials were a huge success and a testament to the hard work so many people have put in to get NUSHIP Arafura ready.”
NUSHIP Arafura is one of two offshore patrol vessels (OPV) being built in South Australia, while four are being constructed in Henderson.
The OPVs will be an important capability for the Navy and the Luerssen Australia team looks forward to continuing to deliver these vessels.
Australia’s current Armidale Class and Cape Class patrol boats will be replaced with a single class of OPV, under Project SEA 1180 Phase 1. The 12 Australian vessels are based on the PV80 design.
The OPV design will support specialist mission packages, such as a maritime tactical unmanned aerial system, and into the future, rapid environmental assessment and deployable mine countermeasure capabilities.
The primary role of the OPV will be to undertake constabulary missions, maritime patrol and response duties to operate alongside Australian Border Force vessels and other Australian Defence Force units and regional partners.
