Austal has announced the launch of the second in the Cape-class patrol boat (CCPB) series during a ceremony at the company's Australian Defence Facility in Henderson, Western Australia.
Exactly one year to the day after launching the first vessel, the 'Cape St George', the 'Cape Byron' was launched four weeks ahead of schedule.
The 'Cape Byron' is the second of eight 56-metre patrol boats that are being delivered to the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service (ACPBS). Austal is the prime contractor for the design, build and in-service sustainment contract for the vessels, and the entire deal is valued at approximately US$330 million.
The ceremony marked the first time the boat was lowered into the water. Following maritime tradition, specially minted coins were placed under the keel block of the vessel as a symbol of good fortune. These were removed prior to the launch and will be presented to the boat, ACPBS and Austal at a later date.
The boat was then lowered into the water using Austal's slipway facility.
With the vessel in the water, Austal is on target to achieve full vessel completion and sea trials prior to an official naming ceremony and final delivery to Customs and Border Protection in quarter two of 2014.
Program background
Austal was awarded the contract for the design, construction and through-life support of the CCPBs for the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service in August 2011. The eight 58-metre aluminium monohulls are due to be delivered between March 2013 and August 2015.
The support contract extends for a minimum period of eight years and encompasses a full range of intermediate and depot level maintenance activities. Further options can be exercised by the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service for in-service support for the life of the CCPB fleet.
