Just four months after launching the first vessel in the class, and exactly one year after signing the contract, Australian shipbuilder Austal has now launched six of the 10 fast patrol boats it is building for the Republic of Yemen.
The remaining four 37.5 metre vessels are at various stages of construction within Austal’s enclosed shipbuilding facilities in Henderson, Western Australia and the project is on schedule for completion by the end of the year.
Based on the eight Bay Class patrol boats Austal delivered to the Australian Customs Service in 1999/2000, the 37.5 metre deep V monohulls offer exceptional value for money by combining commercial shipbuilding techniques and commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) equipment. The aluminium construction contributes to both excellent high speed performance and through-life economies due to reduced propulsive power and maintenance requirements.
The boats are powered by twin 1305kW Caterpillar diesels and have a sprint speed of 29 knots and an operating range exceeding 1000 nautical miles. They will be armed with a 25mm twin-barrelled naval gun and two 12.7mm heavy machine guns. The three crew and 16 sailors will be well accommodated with separate mess areas, laundry, galley and an operations room.
In another major naval project, Austal has started construction of twelve 56 metre Armidale Class patrol boats for the Royal Australian Navy. The first will be launched in early 2005. (ends)
Rapid Progress in Austal’s Yemen Patrol Boat Project
