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The third offshore patrol vessel as part of the SEA 1180 Project, NUSHIP Pilbara, has been launched at a ceremony in WA.
The first Arafura Class and third offshore patrol vessel (OPV) was launched at a ceremony at Henderson Maritime Precinct in South Australia on Friday.
Delivered by Civmec, NUSHIP Pilbara is the largest naval ship ever built in Western Australia and is named after the Pilbara region of the state. NUSHIP Pilbara, a part of the SEA 1180 Project that aims to deliver six OPVs, is a 1,625-tonne and 80-metre long ship that will contribute to security, regional deployment and surveillance, and support in humanitarian relief missions.
“It is fitting that the largest naval ship ever built in Western Australia is named after the Pilbara and is made of steel,” said Mark Clay, Civmec defence industries general manager.
“The Pilbara region in Western Australia is known to hold some of the richest deposits of the iron ore that the world requires for steel making and Civmec is highly regarded for its steel fabrication capability.”
Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Mark Hammond said the delivery of the third OPV symbolises the growing “partnership between our Navy and Australian industry”.
“These vessels will serve with versatility and endurance, conducting patrols, supporting regional engagement, and safeguarding our maritime borders alongside the Evolved Cape Class patrol boats,” VADM Hammond said.
The first two ships as part of the SEA 1180 Project were built by Civmec at the Osborne Naval Shipyard in South Australia, with HMAS Arafura being delivered to the RAN in June and NUSHIP Eyre being accepted in August. The remaining four ships, including NUSHIP Pilbara, are being built at Civmec’s naval shipyard in Henderson, Western Australia. Construction is well underway on NUSHIP Gippsland, NUSHIP Illawarra, and NUSHIP Carpentaria.
David Hanley, Deputy Secretary Naval Shipbuilding and Sustainment, said on the launch of NUSHIP Pilbara: “This milestone represents the dedication and collaboration of the many teams across Defence and industry who have contributed to the project, and reflects the highly skilled naval shipbuilding workforce we have in Australia.
“We look forward to continuing to work with Civmec Defence Industries to deliver NUSHIP Pilbara and future vessels of the class in WA.”
