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The Royal Australian Navy has received the Australian Defence Vessel (ADV) Cape Inscription from shipbuilder Austal.
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Cape Inscription is the 10th Cape Class vessel designed and constructed by Austal. Cape Inscription joins Cape Fourcroy, which was delivered to the Navy in April 2017, and a further eight Cape Class Patrol Boats delivered to the Australian Border Force between 2013 and 2015.
The delivery of the Cape Inscription marked 32 deliveries in total to the Commonwealth by Austal since 1998.
Austal's chief executive David Singleton said the delivery of the Patrol Boat signified an important moment for the company as it turns its focus to preparing for the Offshore Patrol Vessel and Future Frigate projects.
"Austal is proud to have delivered Australia’s entire border patrol capability over the past 19 years, through the Bay, Armidale and Cape Class patrol vessels. This work has enabled us develop an unrivalled local shipbuilding capability – we have a highly motivated and competent workforce and a comprehensive supply chain from across Australia," Singleton said.
"With the delivery of Cape Inscription and construction of 19 steel Pacific Patrol Boats underway, we are now preparing for both the Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) and Future Frigate projects, which are due to commence next year."
Austal has partnered with German shipbuilder and designer Fassmer for the Australian government’s OPV contract and recently announced a new design office in Adelaide, South Australia to support this project.
The OPV program is estimated at more than $3 billion. Along with Austal and Fassmer's shortlisting, Damen of the Netherlands and Lürssen of Germany have also been selected.
Twelve vessels will be built in total to replace the 13 existing Armidale Class patrol boats.
Defence has said the OPVs will enhance the Australian Defence Force's capacity to support border security, maritime resource protection and military patrol and response operations.
