Watch Out for New Patrol Boat

Henderson shipyard marks a new era in national maritime border security. Jean Hudson reports.

Austal has just launched the first Evolved Cape–class Patrol Boat (ECCPB) for the Australian Border Force (ABF) in a new Six-Vessel Program.

The event at Austal’s Henderson shipyard, marked a key milestone in the ongoing relationship between Austal, the ABF and the Commonwealth of Australia.

This is the first of six ECCPBs Austal is contracted to deliver to the ABF, with two vessels added to the existing order of four in early May 2026. That extension was valued at approximately A$150.3 million, bringing the total ABF contract to six vessels — and reinforcing the ECCPB as the platform of choice for Australia’s frontline border operations.

All six will be built at Henderson, supported by Austal’s national and local supply chain and other partnerships.

The launch follows the recent delivery of the last of 10 ECCPBs for the Royal Australian Navy, with Australian Defence Vessel Cape Hawke handed over in March 2026.

Austal CEO Paddy Gregg said it confirmed both the effectiveness and key role of the ECCPB in supporting ABF to protect Australia’s borders.

“Constructed by our experienced workforce, with the benefit of our demonstrated partnerships, and incorporating Austal’s commitment to innovation, orders like these for the ABF recognise this platform as a core component of national maritime security.”

The 58.1 metre ECCPB is a 58-metre aluminium monohull vessel powered by twin Caterpillar 3516C diesel engines, capable of speeds more than 25 knots and a range of 4,000 nautical miles at 12 knots. Navy variants accommodate 32 crew and embarked personnel and feature enhanced sustainment intelligence systems designed to improve vessel availability and lifecycle management.

For border protection missions, the ECCPBs form a critical operational bridge as Australia’s newer Arafura-class offshore patrol vessels progressively enter service, supporting Operation Sovereign Borders — the whole-of-government initiative targeting illegal maritime arrivals and people smuggling. Insert Arafura articles

A new era of maritime capability is well underway as the Australian Navy and Border Force modernise their fleets.

*Words by Jean Hudson. Photographs supplied. Jean is our Shipping and Sailing Correspondent and also a regular feature writer, reviewer and photographer here on the Shipping News. You may also like to follow up her informative Places I Love stories, as well as other feature stories and Freo Today photographs, right here.

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