Keel for first Arafura-class OPV constructed
The keel for the Royal Australian Navy’s first Arafura-class offshore patrol vessel (OPV) has been constructed, the Australian Department of Defence announced on 21 March.
The keel has been assembled at ASC’s Osborne Naval Shipyard in South Australia. Construction began in November 2018.
Under the AUD$3.6 billion Project Sea 1180 programme, Luerssen Australia is partnering with Civmec to construct the 12 OPVs in a joint venture called Australian Maritime Shipbuilding & Export Group (AMSEG).
The first two ships are being built at ASC’s Osborne shipyard near Adelaide, with subsequent production moving to Civmec’s Henderson facility in Western Australia.
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