Cape-class patrol boat
{{Short description|Class of patrol boat}}
{{other uses|Cape class (disambiguation){{!}}Cape class}}
{{Use Australian English|date=April 2018}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2018}}
| {{Infobox ship begin
| sclass = 2 }} {{Infobox ship image | Ship image = Cape St George, on Darwin Harbour.jpg | Ship caption = ACV Cape St George on Darwin Harbour in 2014 }} {{Infobox ship class overview | Name = Cape class | Builders = Austal | Operators = *File:Australian Border Force Flag.svg Australian Border Force
| Class before = * {{sclass2|Bay|patrol boat|4}} (ABF)
| Class after = | Subclasses = | Cost = AU$54 million (US${{Format price|{{To USD|54000000|AUS}}}}) per unit (FY 2020) | Built range = *2011–2017 (8 allocated to ABF and 2 to RAN)
| In service range = 2013–present | Total ships planned = 24 | Total ships completed = 18 | Total ships cancelled = | Total ships active = 18 | Total ships laid up = | Total ships lost = | Total ships retired = | Total ships preserved = }} {{Infobox ship characteristics | Header caption = | Ship type = Patrol boat | Ship displacement = 400 Tonnes | Ship length = {{cvt|57.8|m|ftin}} | Ship beam = {{cvt|10.3|m|ftin}} | Ship draught = {{cvt|3|m|ftin}} | Ship propulsion = *2 x Caterpillar 3516C main engines with output of {{cvt|2,525|kW|lk=on}} at 1,800 rpm
| Ship speed = {{convert|25|kn|lk=in}} | Ship range = {{convert|4,000|nmi|abbr=on}} at {{convert|12|kn}} | Ship endurance = 28 days | Ship boats = *2 × {{cvt|7.3|m|ftin}} Gemini RHIBs
| Ship crew = 18 | Ship capacity = | Ship sensors = *2 electronic chart display and information systems (ECDIS)
| Ship EW = | Ship armament = *1x 20mm-30mm RCWS FFBNW | Ship notes = }} |
The Cape class is a ship class of 22 large patrol boats operated by the Marine Unit of the Australian Border Force, the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) and the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard. Ordered in 2011, the vessels were built by Austal to replace Customs' {{sclass2|Bay|patrol boat|1}}s, and entered service from 2013 onwards. Following availability issues with the {{sclass|Armidale|patrol boat|4}}, two vessels were chartered by the RAN from mid-2015 to late 2016. A further two vessels were ordered at the end of 2015 by the National Australia Bank, who will charter the patrol boats to the Department of Defence from completion in 2017. 2 vessels were ordered by Trinidad and Tobago for their coast guard in 2018 with the vessels delivered in 2021. The RAN placed an order for six 'Evolved' Cape-class vessels in 2020, a second order in 2022 for an additional two vessels, a third order in 2023 for a further two vessels, and a fourth order in 2024 for a further two vessels, for the Australian Border Force (ABF).
Design and construction
The {{sclass2|Bay|patrol boat|4}} was due to be replaced in 2010, but it was not until June of that year that a request for tender was issued for eight new, larger patrol boats.Parnell, Navy and Customs vessels cut back on border patrols.Govt to buy new border patrol vessels Australian Security Magazine. Austal was awarded the tender for eight patrol boats on 12 August 2011.{{cite web |url=http://www.austal.com/ja/media/media-releases/11-08-12/Austal-Awarded-Cape-Class-Patrol-Boat-Contract.aspx |title=Austal Awarded Cape Class Patrol Boat Contract |date=12 August 2011 |work=Media Releases |publisher=Austal |access-date=23 August 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110927143919/http://www.austal.com/ja/media/media-releases/11-08-12/Austal-Awarded-Cape-Class-Patrol-Boat-Contract.aspx |archive-date=27 September 2011}} Each vessel is {{cvt|57.8|m|ftin}} in length, with a beam of {{cvt|10.3|m|ftin}} and a draught of {{cvt|3|m|ftin}}.Saunders (ed.), IHS Jane's Fighting Ships 2012–2013, p. 39. Propulsion machinery consists of two Caterpillar 3516C diesel engines, providing {{convert|5050|kW|hp|lk=on|abbr=on}} to two propeller shafts. A {{convert|160|kW|adj=on|abbr=on}} bow thruster is also fitted. Maximum speed is {{convert|25|kn}}, with a range of {{convert|4,000|nmi}} at {{convert|12|kn}}, and an endurance of 28 days. Each vessel has a crew of 18, and two crew groups are assigned to each vessel, alternating between operating the patrol boat and shore duties, to ensure maximum vessel availability. Each Cape-class vessel is armed with two 0.50 M2HB-QCB calibre machine guns,{{cite web|url= https://www.navy.gov.au/capabilities/weapons/m2hb-qcb |title= M2HB-QCB}}
and carries two {{cvt|7.3|m|adj=on}} Gemini RHIB interception craft in cradles at the stern, along with a small boat carried amidships.{{cite web|url=http://www.austal.com/Resources/Deliveries/7ebab93a-7d00-486e-92af-abe350840971/ccpb-brochure-may-2013-web.pdf |title=Austal Patrol 58 – Cape Class |date=May 2013 |publisher=Austal |access-date=9 February 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130914185553/http://www.austal.com/Resources/Deliveries/7ebab93a-7d00-486e-92af-abe350840971/ccpb-brochure-may-2013-web.pdf |archive-date=14 September 2013}} Several updates and reconfigurations were implemented in response to issues found with the previous class of patrol boats built by Austal, the {{sclass|Armidale|patrol boat|4}} operated by the Royal Australian Navy (RAN).
According to media reports, prior to the tender process, information about the project was leaked to Austal by a senior Customs official.Besser & Snow, $350 million boat deal leak revealed.{{cite web |title=Media Statement – Bay Class Replacement Vessel process – 19 March 2013 |url=http://customs.gov.au/site/130319mediastatement_bayclass.asp |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130421152034/http://customs.gov.au/site/130319mediastatement_bayclass.asp |archive-date=21 April 2013 |access-date=17 April 2013 |work=Australian Customs and Border Protection Service |publisher=Australian Customs and Border Protection Service}} The leak was reported to occur during an investigation of claims that the tendering requirements had been set up to favour Austal. Customs stated in March 2013 that reports of leaks during the tendering process were unfounded, and that internal and external investigations of the accusation concluded that the tender process had not been compromised or set up to favour a particular tenderer.
Construction of the new vessels started in February 2012,{{Update inline |date=January 2013 |reason=Source cited is pre-event. Needs a post-event source to confirm andor update}} with entry into service planned for between March 2013 and August 2015. The first vessel was launched in January 2013, and named Cape St. George on 15 March 2013.{{cite web|title=First Cape Class Patrol Boat officially named |url=http://www.austal.com/en/media/media-releases/13-03-15/First-Cape-Class-Patrol-Boat-officially-named.aspx |work=Austal Media Release |publisher=Austal |access-date=18 March 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222001705/http://www.austal.com/en/media/media-releases/13-03-15/First-Cape-Class-Patrol-Boat-officially-named.aspx |archive-date=22 February 2014}} The boats have been named after eight capes in Australia: Cape St. George, Cape Byron, Cape Nelson, Cape Sorell, Cape Jervis, Cape Leveque, Cape Wessel, and Cape York.{{cite web |url=http://www.naval-technology.com/projects/cape-class-patrol-boats/ |title=Cape Class Patrol Boats, Australia |website=Naval Technology |publisher=Verdict Media Limited |access-date=12 July 2018}} The final vessel, Cape York, was delivered at the end of August 2015.{{cite news |last=Rahmat |first=Ridzwan |date=31 August 2015 |title=Austal delivers Australia's final Cape-class patrol vessel |url=http://www.janes.com/article/53926/austal-delivers-australia-s-final-cape-class-patrol-vessel |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150902185947/http://www.janes.com/article/53926/austal-delivers-australia-s-final-cape-class-patrol-vessel |archive-date=2 September 2015 |access-date=23 September 2015 |work=Sea Platforms |publisher=IHS Jane's 360}} The project cost A$330 million, including in-service support to be provided by Austal: the largest procurement undertaken by the Customs and Border Protection Service.{{cite news |last=Everingham |first=Sara |date=8 June 2015 |title=Customs Cape Class Patrol Boats used for border security struggling to find permanent berth |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-06-08/cape-class-boats-struggling-to-find-permanent-berth/6528864 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240429075830/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-06-08/cape-class-boats-struggling-to-find-permanent-berth/6528864 |archive-date=29 April 2024 |access-date=23 September 2015 |work=ABC News |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation}} Although originally due to leave service in 2010, ships of the Bay class remained in service until the Cape class fully entered service. In Australian service, the patrol boats were initially identified with the ship prefix "ACV" (Australian Customs Vessel); this was changed to "ABFC" (Australian Border Force Cutter) following the establishment of the Australian Border Force.
On 13 December 2015, Austal announced that two more Cape-class vessels had been ordered.{{cite press release |url=http://austal.com/news/expansion-cape-class-program |title=Expansion of Cape Class Program |publisher=Austal |date=13 December 2015 |access-date=15 December 2015}} The $63 million contract is with the National Australia Bank, who will charter the patrol boats to the Department of Defence on their completion in mid-2017. The new vessels will be included in the in-service support contract for the Border Force patrol boats, and if Defence does not continue on with the charter after the initial three-year period, the National Australia Bank can sell the patrol boats back to Austal for residual value. The two vessels, Cape Fourcroy and Cape Inscription, are in service.
File:TTCG Cape class patrol boat (CG41), Henderson, December 2020 11.jpg
In July 2018, the government of Trinidad and Tobago announced the acquisition of two Cape-class patrol boats. The vessels will enhance the border protection capabilities of the country in conjunction with the existing Coast Guard fleet, and will join six Austal Fast Patrol Craft acquired in 2009.{{Cite news |url=https://www.austal.com/news/government-trinidad-tobago-announces-future-acquisition-two-austal-cape-class-patrol-boats |title=GOVERNMENT OF TRINIDAD & TOBAGO ANNOUNCES FUTURE ACQUISITION OF TWO AUSTAL CAPE CLASS PATROL BOATS |date=2018-07-29 |work=Austal: Corporate |access-date=2018-07-31 |language=en}} The vessels' names were taken from two of the three cancelled {{sclass|Port of Spain|corvette|0}} offshore patrol vessels.
In May 2020, the Royal Australian Navy placed an order for six 'Evolved' Cape-class vessels.{{cite press release |title=Austal Australia awarded A$324 million contract to build six Cape Class Patrol Boats |url=https://www.austal.com/news/austal-australia-awarded-a324-million-contract-build-six-cape-class-patrol-boats |website=Austal |access-date=17 September 2022 |date=1 May 2020}}{{cite press release |author1=Minister for Defence Linda Reynolds |author2=Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price |title=New patrol boats to boost Navy capability |url=https://www.minister.defence.gov.au/minister/melissa-price/media-releases/new-patrol-boats-boost-navy-capability|website=Department of Defence Ministers |access-date=17 September 2022 |date=1 May 2020}} The 'Evolved' Cape-class has several enhancements and has increased crew capacity from 22 to 32 people.{{cite news |last1=Nicholson |first1=Dylan |date=1 May 2020 |title=Navy to get new patrol boats to boost capability |url=https://www.defenceconnect.com.au/key-enablers/6023-navy-to-get-new-patrol-boats-to-boost-capability |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240429080107/https://www.defenceconnect.com.au/key-enablers/6023-navy-to-get-new-patrol-boats-to-boost-capability |archive-date=29 April 2024 |access-date=17 September 2022 |work=Defence Connect}}{{cite web |title=Cape-class Patrol Boat (Austal Patrol 58) |url=https://www.austal.com/ships/cape-class-patrol-boat-austal-patrol-58 |website=Austal |date=9 December 2016 |access-date=17 September 2022}} In April 2022, the RAN ordered two additional 'Evolved' Cape-class vessels.{{cite press release |title=Austal Australia to build an additional two Evolved Cape-class Patrol Boats for the Royal Australian Navy |url=https://www.austal.com/news/austal-australia-build-additional-two-evolved-cape-class-patrol-boats-royal-australian-navy |website=Austal |access-date=17 September 2022 |date=18 April 2022}}{{cite press release |author1=Prime Minister Scott Morrison |author2=Minister for Defence Peter Dutton |author3=Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price |title=Keeping our borders safe and supporting Australian industry |url=https://www.liberal.org.au/latest-news/2022/04/18/keeping-our-borders-safe-and-supporting-australian-industry |website=Liberal Party of Australia |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220521184427/https://www.liberal.org.au/latest-news/2022/04/18/keeping-our-borders-safe-and-supporting-australian-industry |archive-date=21 May 2022 |date=18 April 2022 |url-status=dead}} Austal delivered the first of the 'Evolved' Cape-class Cape Otway to the RAN in March 2022.{{cite press release |author1=Minister for Defence Peter Dutton |title=Acceptance of first evolved Cape class patrol boat |url=https://www.minister.defence.gov.au/media-releases/2022-03-23/acceptance-first-evolved-cape-class-patrol-boat |website=Department of Defence Ministers |access-date=17 September 2022 |date=23 March 2022}} In November 2023, the RAN ordered two new vessels to replace and significantly enhance the RAN's at-sea navigation and seamanship training capability.{{Cite web |title=Securing continuous Naval Shipbuilding at Henderson Shipyard in Western Australia |url=https://www.minister.defence.gov.au/media-releases/2023-11-23/securing-continuous-naval-shipbuilding-henderson-shipyard-western-australia |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240429080452/https://www.minister.defence.gov.au/media-releases/2023-11-23/securing-continuous-naval-shipbuilding-henderson-shipyard-western-australia |archive-date=29 April 2024 |access-date=29 April 2024 |website=Australian Defence Ministry}}
In December 2024, the ABF ordered two 'Evolved' Cape-class vessels to replace its remaining 2 Bay-class patrol boats.{{Cite web |date=2024-12-22 |title=Austal Australia awarded contract for two additional Evolved Cape-class Patrol Boats for Australian Border Force |url=https://www.austal.com/news/austal-australia-awarded-contract-two-additional-evolved-cape-class-patrol-boats-australian |access-date=2025-05-10 |website=Austal: Corporate |language=en}}
Operational history
Permanent berthing facilities at East Arm Wharf in Port Darwin (the ship's main base of operations) were commissioned in December 2015 and became fully operational in February 2016.{{Cite web |url=http://www.skynews.com.au/news/politics |title=federal/2015/12/18/australian-border-force-in-darwin.html |access-date=27 July 2016 |archive-date=26 February 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180226211621/https://www.skynews.com.au/news/politics |url-status=dead}}
Following availability issues with the Armidale class, Cape Byron and Cape Nelson were chartered by the RAN from July 2015 to the end of 2016 to supplement naval patrol boat availability.{{cite news |url=http://www.news.com.au/national/the-3-million-cost-of-navys-decision-to-lease-patrol-boats-for-border-protection/story-fncynjr2-1227563727636 |title=The $3 million cost of Navy's decision to lease patrol boats for border protection |last=McPhedran |first=Ian|author-link=Ian McPhedran |date=9 October 2015 |website=News.com.au |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160430031256/http://www.news.com.au/national/the-3-million-cost-of-navys-decision-to-lease-patrol-boats-for-border-protection/news-story/290f95277d9886692a1739d4c8f7bb6a|archive-date=30 April 2016 |publisher=News Corp Australia |access-date=19 October 2015}} In naval service, the patrol boats are crewed by RAN personnel, operate from {{HMAS|Cairns|naval base|6}}, and are identified with the Australian Defence Vessel (ADV) prefix, but retain the blue-and-red customs colour scheme.{{cite news |last=Paroz |first=Des |date=5 December 2015 |title=Cape Class ships join the Fleet |url=http://news.navy.gov.au/en/Dec2015/Fleet/2540/Cape-Class-ships-join-the-Fleet.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208155645/http://news.navy.gov.au/en/Dec2015/Fleet/2540/Cape-Class-ships-join-the-Fleet.htm |archive-date=8 December 2015 |access-date=7 December 2015 |work=Navy Daily |publisher=Royal Australian Navy}}
In December 2024, four ships; Cape Pillar, Cape Naturaliste, Cape Woolamai and Cape Capricorn were commissioned as His Majesty’s Australian Ships reflecting their extended planned service lives.{{cite web |title=Royal Australian Navy will commission HMA Ships Cape Pillar, Cape Naturaliste, Cape Woolamai and Cape Capricorn |url=https://www.facebook.com/RoyalAustralianNavy/posts/pfbid0FcHPGV6Vid87xRmn9w9iHKvx2tqMbn2GUFgvLzDZrUEjtY8WghCYt4Gg8GWKr1bXl |access-date=28 November 2024 |website=Facebook |publisher=Royal Australian Navy}}
In May 2025, two more vessels; Cape Solander and Cape Schanck were also commissioned.{{Cite web |title=Navy commissions two more patrol boats - Australian Defence Magazine |url=https://www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/navy-commissions-two-more-patrol-boats |access-date=2025-05-10 |website=www.australiandefence.com.au |language=en}}
Ships in class
| class="wikitable" |
| style="background:#efefef;"
! style="text-align:center; width:8%;" |Prefix ! style="text-align:center; width:20%;" |Name ! style="text-align:center; width:8%;" |Pennant ! style="text-align:center; width:8%;" |Builder ! style="text-align:center; width:18%;" |Status ! style="text-align:center; width:20%;" |Image ! style="text-align:center; width:18%;" |Notes |
| colspan="7" |Australian Border Force (10) |
|---|
| ABFC
| |Active | |
| ABFC
| |Active | | |
| ABFC
| |Active | | |
| ABFC
| |Active | |
| ABFC
| |Active | | |
| ABFC
| |Active | | |
| ABFC
| |Active | | |
| ABFC
| |Active | |
| ABFC
| | | |Under construction | | rowspan="2" |Evolved Cape design |
| ABFC
| | | |Under construction | |
| colspan="7" |Royal Australian Navy (12) |
| ADV
|310 |Active | | |
| ADV
|320 |Active | | |
| ADV
|P314 |Active | rowspan="10" |Evolved Cape design |
| ADV
|P315 |Active |
| HMAS
|P316 |Active |
| HMAS
|P317 |Active |
| HMAS
|P318 |Active{{Cite web |last=Navy |first=corporateName=Royal Australian |title=Current Ships |url=https://www.navy.gov.au/fleet/ships-boats-craft/current-ships |access-date=2023-06-23 |website=www.navy.gov.au |language=en}}{{cite web | url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2023/06/austal-delivers-5th-evolved-cape-class-patrol-boat-to-royal-australian-navy/ | title=Austal delivers 5th Evolved Cape-class Patrol Boat to Royal Australian Navy | date=23 June 2023 }} |
| HMAS
|P319 |Active |
| HMAS
|P312 |
| HMAS
|P313 |
| HMAS
|Cape Spencer |P225 |Fitting out | |
| HMAS
|Cape Hawke |P226 |Under construction | |
| colspan="7" |Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard (2) |
| TTS
|CG41 |Active | |
| TTS
|CG42 |Active | |
Citations
{{reflist}}
References
=Books=
- {{cite book |title=IHS Jane's Fighting Ships 2012–2013 |editor=Saunders, Stephen |publisher=IHS Jane's |location=Coulsdon |date=2012 |series=Jane's Fighting Ships |isbn=9780710630087 |oclc=793688752}}
=News articles=
- {{cite news |url=http://www.securityaccess.com.au/4EEF584C-7E56-11DF-94E8005056B05D57 |title=Govt to buy new border patrol vessels |date=23 June 2010 |work=Australian Security Magazine |access-date=16 July 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110304120045/http://www.securityaccess.com.au/4EEF584C-7E56-11DF-94E8005056B05D57 |archive-date=4 March 2011 }}
- {{cite news|url=http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/political-news/350-million-boat-deal-leak-revealed-20130317-2g8tr.html |title=$350 million boat deal leak revealed |last=Besser |first=Linton |author2=Snow, Deborah |date=18 March 2013 |newspaper=The Sydney Morning Herald|publisher=Fairfax Media|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130703164424/http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/political-news/350-million-boat-deal-leak-revealed-20130317-2g8tr.html|archive-date=3 July 2013 |access-date=18 March 2013}}
- {{cite news|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/nation/navy-and-customs-vessels-cut-back-on-border-patrols/story-e6frg6nf-1225896769358 |title=Navy and Customs vessels cut back on border patrols |last=Parnell |first=Sean |date=26 July 2010|newspaper=The Australian|publisher=News Corp Australia |access-date=5 November 2010}}
External links
{{Commons category|Cape class patrol boats}}
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20131023030009/http://www.austal.com/en/products-and-services/defence-products/patrol-boats/cape-class-patrol-boats.aspx Cape Class Patrol Boats] at Austal website
{{Portal bar|Australia|Royal Australian Navy}}
{{Royal Australian Navy}}
{{Cape-class patrol boats}}