First Arafura class OPV delivered

Defence has accepted the first Arafura class Offshore Patrol Vessel NUSHIP Arafura for further test and evaluation ahead of delivery to the Royal Australian Navy. NUSHIP Arafura is the first of class vessel delivered under project SEA 1180, built by Luerssen Australia at the Osborne Naval Shipyard in South Australia. This project will deliver six Arafura class Offshore Patrol Vessels to Navy, with the first two constructed at Osborne. The remaining four vessels are under construction at Henderson in Western Australia. The Arafura class vessels will be part of a wider Navy Minor War Vessel Fleet supporting civil maritime security and enhanced regional engagement in the Southwest Pacific and maritime Southeast Asia. Deputy Secretary Naval Shipbuilding and Sustainment Jim McDowell said the delivery of the first Arafura class Offshore Patrol Vessel was an important milestone in the Australian Government’s investment in Naval Shipbuilding and Sustainment. “The delivery of the first of class vessel to Defence highlights Defence’s commitment to working through complex projects to deliver critical capability to our Australian Defence Force, built here in Australia,” Mr McDowell said. NUSHIP Arafura will now sail to its homeport at HMAS Stirling in Western Australia, before commissioning into the Royal Australian Navy fleet later this year. The OPVs make up part of a wider Navy Minor War Vessel Fleet providing essential capabilities for the Australian Navy and replacing the Armidale Class and Cape Class Patrol Boats. Australia’s Nova Systems has played a pivotal role throughout the construction of the new contemporary fleet of OPVs, offering extensive expertise in naval architecture, Test and Evaluation, engineering management, logistics, seaworthiness and acceptance activities. Nova Systems provided oversight of system integration, ensuring that the ships meet the stringent requirements and specifications of NSSG and the Royal Australian Navy. “Our involvement in this project underscores our commitment to delivering high-quality, reliable capabilities to the Australian Defence Force,” James Luck, Nova Systems Maritime Portfolio Manager, said. “All involved should be proud of their significant contribution to the enhancement of Australia’s naval and shipbuilding capabilities.” This new modern vessel is one of two OPVs being constructed in South Australia by shipbuilder Luerssen Australia, with an additional four being built at Henderson in Western Australia. The primary role of the OPV is to undertake maritime patrol and response duties, alongside Australian Border Force, and other Australian Defence Force units and regional partners. Nova Systems has been a long-term partner and remains committed to supporting the Arafura Class OPV Program. For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Kym Bergmann at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Group Sales Director Simon Hadfield at [email protected]