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.
More from Naval Warfare
-
Future of the US Navy’s Arleigh Burke programme remains unclear
The US Navy does not have a precise date for the award of the procurement contract for the third Arleigh Burke-class destroyer despite having the funds to advance with the programme in FY2025.
-
US Navy may look to foreign suppliers to accelerate shipbuilding programmes
The US Navy (USN) is currently reassessing its acquisition efforts and seeking ways to reduce the multiple delays across the shipbuilding initiatives.
-
Australia commissions HMAS Arafura three-and-a-half years behind schedule
The Royal Australian Navy has finally commissioned the first Arafura-class offshore patrol vessel – more than three years behind schedule – highlighting the programme’s delays, design compromises and ongoing industrial restructuring.
-
Italy orders two ships as work begins on others along with deliveries and updates
The Italian Navy is being refreshed with two new ships ordered, while in the past six months steel was cut for a new frigate, an enhanced frigate was delivered and Horizon-class frigates passed a design review.