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The Royal Australian Navy has officially welcomed two additional Evolved Cape Class patrol boats into commissioned service, marking the occasion with a ceremony at their homeport of HMAS Coonawarra in Darwin.
The commissioning ceremony saw Cape Schanck and Cape Solander granted the designation of His Majesty’s Australian Ships (HMAS), formally recognising their status as commissioned warships within the Navy’s fleet.
Commander Surface Force, Commodore Terence Morrison, DSM, said the commissioning of the vessels acknowledged the dedication of their crews and strengthened the Navy’s operational capabilities.
“The commissioning of HMAS Cape Schanck and HMAS Cape Solander demonstrates their importance to Australia and the Australian people, and what we stand for as a nation,” CDRE Morrison said.
“It also reinforces Navy’s commitment to safeguarding Australia and its interests, while upholding maritime security and contributing to peace and stability in our region.
“The Evolved Cape Class patrol boats, named after coastal capes across the country, have quickly become a cornerstone of Navy’s contribution to Operation Resolute.
“Navy is proud to commission these vessels and to see them sail under the Australian White Ensign.”
Previously operating under the title of Australian Defence Vessels (ADV), the ships will continue to support the full range of patrol boat operations. These include border protection, resource and fisheries enforcement, customs and counter-narcotics missions, as well as regional engagement activities.
The SEA1445-1 Evolved Cape Class Patrol Boat project, which began in May 2020 with the construction of six 58-metre aluminium monohull patrol boats for the Royal Australian Navy, was expanded to include two additional vessels in April 2022, followed by a further two in February 2024.
The Royal Australian Navy’s new Evolved Cape Class patrol boats feature a range of enhancements that build on the capabilities of the already proven design. These improvements have been developed based on operational experience gained from the 10 Cape Class patrol boats currently in service with the Navy and Australian Border Force across northern Australia.
