Australian shipbuilder Austal has launched the first in a series of 10 fast patrol boats being built for the Republic of Yemen. It is the first naval vessel launched since the company announced the formation of Austal Defence, a new division that is focused on exploiting the opportunities for aluminium vessel technology in the international military and law enforcement markets. The 37.5 metre deep V monohulls are a simplified version of the Bay Class patrol boats delivered to the Australian Customs Service in 1999/2000 and have been tailored to the customer’s operating and budgetary requirements.

Powered by twin 1305kW Caterpillar V12 diesels they will be capable of 29 knots and have an operating range well in excess of 1000 nautical miles. Each vessel will be fitted with a 25mm twin-barrel naval gun and two 12.7mm heavy machine-guns and will carry three officers and 16 sailors. According to Austal, vessels demonstrate the benefits of applying the proven aluminium shipbuilding philosophies and practices. The combination of commercial-off-the-shelf equipment from reputable suppliers, and best practice in design, construction and engineering makes them reliable and easy to support and maintain, which reduces through-life support costs.