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NUSHIP Eyre, the second of six planned Arafura Class offshore patrol vessels, has been accepted as a part of the ongoing SEA 1180 project.
Civmec and Luerssen Australia have announced the acceptance of NUSHIP Eyre, the second Arafura Class offshore patrol vessel (OPV). As a part of the SEA 1180 project, six OPVs will be constructed to contribute to maritime security and constabulary missions, regional engagement and support in humanitarian and disaster relief.
Mark Clay, Civmec’s general manager defence, noted how the announcement of NUSHIP Eyre is a “proud moment for the project”, and recognised the people involved who showed “skill, commitment and pride in building HMAS Arafura and NUSHIP Eyre”.
Built at the Osborne Naval Shipyard in South Australia, the workforce and suppliers were celebrated in a ceremony on Friday, as construction of the remaining four vessels will transition to Civmec’s naval shipyard in Henderson, Western Australia. HMAS Arafura, the first OPV as a part of the project, was commissioned in June and marked the beginning of the project’s rollout.
“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,” Clay said.
“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.”
The primary roles and responsibilities of the 1,625-tonne and 80-metre long ships will be enacted alongside existing Australian Border Force vessels and Australian Defence Force units and partners.
The SEA 1180 project aims to replace and improve upon the capability delivered by 13 Armidale Class patrol boats. Twelve OPVs were originally planned, however the project was scaled back to six OPVs in February 2024 following independent analysis.
The remaining OPVs, NUSHIPs Pilbara, Gippsland, Illawarra, and Carpentaria will join HMAS Arafura and NUSHIP Eyre as the project continues to make ongoing progress in the SEA 1180 project.
