Australia’s first OPV prepares to go to sea
An artist’s rendering of Australia’s Arafaura-class OPV sailing at sea. (Luerssen Australia)
COVID-19 has impacted the original contract schedule of Australia's new class of OPVs, but five vessels are currently under construction.
The Royal Australian Navy's (RAN) initial Arafura-class OPV is being readied to go to sea for the first time. In a significant feat of planning, five OPVs are simultaneously under construction in two disparate shipyards.
Luerssen Australia is prime contractor for Project Sea 1180 Phase 1, and its CEO Jens Nielsen told Shephard the company was preparing the ship to go to sea.
'It's going through a series of tests at the moment, and we are preparing for this, and then we want to deliver the ship – hand it over to our customer – towards the end of
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Mitsubishi eyes future with Australia’s Mogami selection]()
Mitsubishi eyes future with Australia’s Mogami selection
With Australia’s selection of the Mogami-class for Project Sea 3000, Mitsubishi is investigating local production in the next decade as potential export opportunities emerge.
-
![Thales’ new Sonar 76Nano could equip UK Royal Navy on anti-submarine warfare missions]()
Thales’ new Sonar 76Nano could equip UK Royal Navy on anti-submarine warfare missions
The new sonar is designed to equip uncrewed underwater vessels, with the potential to be used by the Royal Navy for its Atlantic Bastion and Atlantic Net missions.
-
![Hanwha wins Australian government approval to increase its stake in Austal]()
Hanwha wins Australian government approval to increase its stake in Austal
The contract would mean the two shipbuilders can collaborate strategically and enhance shipbuilding capabilities in Western Australia.
