Today marks a major milestone of the Australian Government’s implementation of the Surface Fleet Review with the commissioning of HMAS Arafura into the Royal Australian Navy fleet.
HMAS Arafura is the first Arafura class OPV or offshore patrol vessel of the Navy’s surface fleet.
She will enter into the fleet at a commissioning ceremony in Fremantle later this morning, a timely reminder that the last four of six Arafura class OPVs are currently being built at Henderson, just south of Fremantle.
Here’s HMAS Arafura entering Fremantle Harbour on Wednesday.
HMAS Arafura entering Fremantle Harbour ahead of commissioning ceremony, 25 June 2025. Credit Jean Hudson.
And here she is tied up alongside Victoria Quay, Fremantle this morning.
This new fleet of OPVs, once all commissioned, will help patrol and secure Australia’s maritime border alongside the evolved Cape class patrol boats. They will also play a role in humanitarian and disaster relief, enhance regional engagement and support other Navy missions.
These new capabilities have a greater range of 4,000 nautical miles, and can perform roles that previously required numerous vessels. These OPVs will also have improved living quarters and amenities to better support personnel.
The Government’s Independent Analysis into Navy’s Surface Combatant Fleet – the Surface Fleet Review – reaffirmed the need for the Arafura class OPVs whilst recommending they operate alongside the evolved Cape class patrol boats.
Here’s what an evolved Cape class ship looks like.
An evolved Cape Class patrol boat. Courtesy Austal.com
HMAS Arafura was built by German shipbuilder Luerssen Australia at the Osborne Shipyard in South Australia.
The second OPV, NUSHIP Eyre, has been built and is awaiting acceptance by Navy. The remainder of the four ships are under construction at the Henderson Shipyard in Western Australia.
Commissioning crew of NUSHIP Arafura alongside Fleet Base West, Western Australia. Supplied by Navy.
The Deputy Prime Minoster the Hon Richard Marles MP said that –
“The commissioning of HMAS Arafura marks an important milestone in the implementation of the Government’s Surface Fleet Review.
“HMAS Arafura means that the Navy can continue to ensure the safety and security of our maritime borders.
“The commissioning of HMAS Arafura is a turning point, and we will continue to see the Navy introduce new vessels into its fleet.”
Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Pat Conroy MP added –
“The delivery of these offshore patrol vessels is an excellent example of our partnership with defence industry in action.
“The Australian Government has worked collaboratively with Defence and Luerssen Australia to successfully deliver HMAS Arafura, with another ship on the way and four more under construction at Henderson.
“The construction of the remaining four ships is on track, and continues the Australian Government’s investment in a productive, continuous naval shipbuilding and sustainment industry.”
Similarly, the Minister for Defence Personnel, the Hon Matt Keogh MP stated –
“HMAS Arafura delivers on our plan for Australian workers to build vessels for the fleet faster than Australia has for decades, to ensure the Navy has what it needs to secure our national interests at sea.
“Arafura also provides improved living quarters and amenities to support our highly skilled naval personnel as they patrol and protect our coastline.”
“My best wishes go to the crew of the Arafura as they take on this new challenge, and may they have fair winds and following seas. My thanks also go to their families, whose support enables our personnel to do what they do each and every day for our nation.”
The Chief of Navy, VADM Mark Hammond, AO, RAN was quietly pleased with the new ship, observing that –
“A strong Australia relies on a strong Navy, one that is equipped to conduct diplomacy in our region, deter potential adversaries, and defend our national interests when called.
“The Arafura class offshore patrol vessels will perform a number of roles, including regional engagement, patrol duties, and employment of uncrewed systems in a variety of missions.”
By Michael Barker, Editor, Fremantle Shipping News
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