The Australian Ministry of Defence has officially received the first of six Arafura-class offshore patrol vessels (OPV) from Luerssen Australia, a subsidiary of NVL Group. This milestone is a key component of the SEA 1180 project, which commenced with a contract signed in 2018 with the German shipbuilder. The lead vessel, designated NUSHIP Arafura, began construction in November 2018 and was launched in December 2021. After delivery, it is set to sail to HMAS Stirling in Western Australia, where it will undergo further testing before being handed over to the Royal Australian Navy later this year.
Jim McDowell, Deputy Secretary of Naval Shipbuilding and Sustainment, emphasized the significance of this delivery, stating it reflects Defence’s commitment to managing complex projects that enhance the capabilities of the Australian Defence Force, with vessels built domestically. Luerssen Australia worked in collaboration with local shipbuilders; the Adelaide-based Australian Submarine Corporation constructed the first OPV and the soon-to-be-launched NUSHIP Eyre. The remaining four vessels—Pilbara, Gippsland, Illawarra, and Carpentaria—are currently being constructed at Civmec’s Henderson Maritime Precinct in Perth.
The Arafura-class OPVs are designed to replace the older Armidale-class patrol boats and will contribute to regional engagement across the Southwest Pacific and Southeast Asia, forming part of the Navy’s broader Minor War Vessel Fleet. Their primary responsibilities include maritime border security, constabulary duties, fisheries enforcement, and humanitarian assistance.
With a length of 80 meters (262 feet), a beam of 13 meters (42 feet), a draught of 4 meters (13 feet), and a displacement of 1,640 tonnes (approximately 3,605,780 pounds), the vessels accommodate a crew of 40 to 60 personnel. Each OPV is powered by two 4,250-kilowatt diesel engines, enabling a maximum speed of 20 knots (37 kilometers or 23 miles per hour) and a range of 4,000 nautical miles (7,408 kilometers).
Originally, the Arafura-class project aimed to deliver 12 vessels, but this number was halved last year due to delays stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic and strategic reassessments. The lead ship’s initial delivery was planned for December 2021, with commissioning expected the following year. However, a report from the Australian National Audit Office in 2022-2023 revealed issues related to structural fire protection and challenges with integrating the vessel’s weapon systems. Notably, the planned installation of a main 40-millimeter gun has been canceled, costing a delay in deploying the navy’s existing 25-millimeter Typhoon system until a suitable replacement is determined.
After a prolonged wait beyond its original delivery schedule, the first Arafura OPV is now expected to be delivered in January 2025, marking a critical step in enhancing Australia’s maritime capabilities.
