Keel laid for first Pacific Patrol Boat
Austal has laid the keel for the first Pacific Patrol Boat for the Australian government’s Pacific Patrol Boat Replacement (PPB-R) project, the company announced on 31 July.
The PPB-R contract was awarded to Austal in May last year. Under the contract, Austal is to design, build and sustain 19 39.5m steel-hulled patrol boats for 12 Pacific Island nations. The vessels are being gifted by Australia to enhance maritime security cooperation across the South Pacific region.
This first vessel is one of four that will be delivered to Papua New Guinea. The build is due for completion in the last quarter of 2018.
David Singleton, CEO, Austal, said: ‘Austal is delivering on every aspect of the PPB-R project from the design and build here in Henderson, to the sustainment of the vessels in Cairns. This project is anticipated to employ more than 200 people directly at Austal and 100 more through our growing Australian supply chain, providing outstanding career opportunities for both qualified workers and apprentices across the country.’
More from Naval Warfare
-
![BMT and DNV partner to meet Australia’s heavy landing craft requirement]()
BMT and DNV partner to meet Australia’s heavy landing craft requirement
Under Project Land 8710 Phase 2, Australia has been seeking to acquire an undisclosed number of Littoral Manoeuvre Vessels to replace the Balikpapan-class. The programme has an estimated value of AU$1.4 billion (US$910 million), with IOC slated for 2032.
-
![Babcock to take over upkeep of Royal Navy Type-23 frigates]()
Babcock to take over upkeep of Royal Navy Type-23 frigates
The Royal Navy’s Type-23 Duke-class frigates for the UK Royal Navy were designed as anti-submarine warfare (ASW) ships but now have a multi-role function. Of the 16 Type 23s built, 12 remain in service with the Royal Navy and will be replaced by the Type-26 frigates before 2035.
-
![Austal completes autonomy trials with former Royal Australian Navy patrol boat]()
Austal completes autonomy trials with former Royal Australian Navy patrol boat
The work took place under the Patrol Boat Autonomy Trial (PBAT), which has been a collaboration between Austal, Greenroom Robotics, the Trusted Autonomous Systems Defence Cooperative Research Centre and the Royal Australian Navy’s (RAN) Warfare Innovation Navy Branch.
-
![Singapore launches fourth and final Type 218SG submarine]()
Singapore launches fourth and final Type 218SG submarine
The era of southeast Asian submarine modernisation has been in full swing fuelled by growing tensions in the South China Sea.
-
![Keel laid for third Hellenic Navy frigate as harbour trials start for first]()
Keel laid for third Hellenic Navy frigate as harbour trials start for first
On 24 March 2022, Greece and Naval Group have signed a contract for three defence and intervention (FDI) frigates. Two warships will be due for delivery in 2025 and the third expected the following year, with the deal including an option to add a fourth frigate to be ready in 2027.
