Civmec, Luerssen Australia announce acceptance of NUSHIP Eyre

Civmec and Luerssen Australia announced the acceptance of NUSHIP Eyre, the second Arafura Class Offshore Patrol Vessel. In a ceremony on Friday 12 September Civmec and Luerssen Australia celebrated the South Australian workforce and suppliers that have laid the foundations for the SEA 1180 project by building the first two Arafura Class Offshore Patrol Vessels at the Osborne Naval shipyard. Shipbuilding for the Arafura Class Offshore Patrol Vessels now transitions exclusively to Civmec’s Naval shipyard in Henderson, Western Australia, where the remaining four vessels are under construction.

The delivery of ship two, NUSHIP Eyre marks ongoing progress for the SEA 1180 project. HMAS Arafura (ship one) was commissioned in June. NUSHIP Pilbara (ship three) will be launched later this year. NUSHIP Gippsland (ship four) and Illawarra (ship five) are under construction, and the keel laying ceremony for NUSHIP Carpentaria (ship six) was held in August. The Arafura Class Offshore Patrol Vessels will bring new capabilities to the Royal Australian Navy. The modern 1,625 tonne and 80m long ships will contribute to maritime security, regional engagement and support humanitarian and disaster relief. Civmec acquired Luerssen Australia in July 2025 as part of a consolidation of its Naval shipbuilding business.

Mark Clay, Civmec’s General Manager Defence, said: “The delivery of NUSHIP Eyre is a proud moment for the project and all who were involved. I am deeply grateful to the entire Adelaide workforce and our suppliers. All of whom have shown skill, commitment and pride in building HMAS Arafura and NUSHIP Eyre to such a high standard. I also want to thank and acknowledge the Western Australian based workforce who supported the program, often sacrificing time away from their families to support the project. Like a relay team, the shipbuilding baton has now been passed to our Henderson workforce who I know will continue to rise to the challenge. The transition ensures we harness the full strength of Australia’s shipbuilding capability and shows the value of South Australia and Western Australia working together as part of one national team to deliver these vital ships to the Navy.”

David Hanley, Deputy Secretary of the Naval Shipbuilding and Sustainment Group, said the investment in the ships represents a key step in strengthening Australia’s maritime security. “The OPVs are larger, and have a greater range and sea keeping abilities compared to their predecessor, the Armidale Class Patrol Boats. The delivery of the second OPV is a testament to our collaboration with industry, and reflects the highly-skilled, productive, continuous naval shipbuilding and sustainment industry we are establishing in Australia.”

Ninth Evolved Cape Class Patrol Boat delivered
Defence has accepted the ninth Evolved Cape Class Patrol Boat, ADV Cape Spencer, built at Henderson shipyard in Western Australia. Built by Austal Ships Pty Ltd under project SEA1445 Phase 1, the Evolved Cape Class Patrol Boats contribute to the whole of Government effort to protect Australia’s borders and offshore interests.

ADV Cape Spencer will work alongside other Royal Australian Navy and Australian Border Force vessels enhancing the capability for civil maritime surveillance and enforcement in Australian waters.

Deputy Secretary Naval Shipbuilding and Sustainment, David Hanley, said the delivery of ADV Cape Spencer  was another important milestone in enhancing Australia’s maritime security. “Under project SEA1445 Phase 1, the Evolved Cape Class Patrol Boats have been delivered approximately every six months, contributing to Australia’s ability to effectively protect our borders and offshore interests. Delivery of the ninth Evolved Cape Class Patrol Boat is a key example of a shared commitment between Defence and Industry to delivering capability to our ADF on time and on budget,” Mr Hanley said.

The final Evolved Cape Class Patrol Boat for the Royal Australian Navy, ADV Cape Hawke, is currently under construction at Henderson shipyard.

For Editorial Inquiries Contact:
Editor Kym Bergmann at kym.bergmann@venturamedia.net
For Advertising Inquiries Contact:
Group Sales Director Simon Hadfield at simon.hadfield@venturamedia.net