In a glorious ceremony graced by Australia’s Defence Personnel Minister and Veterans Affairs Minister, Hon. Win Bakri Daki MP, Austal, a reputed shipbuilding group in Australia, recently marked a crucial achievement. Austal Australia, a segment of the group, delivered its 17th Guardian-class Patrol Boat to the country’s Department of Defence, adding a new feather in the cap for the Australian marine industry.
Papuan Maritime Strength: A Gift from Australia
The ceremony, taking place at the HMAS Stirling naval base in Western Australia, included gifting the vessel, named HMPNGS Gilbert Toropo, to the Defence Force of Papua New Guinea. This Guardian-class Patrol Boat is the fourth among four vessels given to Papua New Guinea as part of the Pacific Patrol Boat Replacement Project under the Pacific Maritime Security Program by the Australian government.
Guardian-class Patrol Boats: Reinforcing Maritime Security
Paddy Gregg, CEO of Austal, praised the addition of the latest Guardian-class Patrol Boat to Papua New Guinea’s fleet. After successful deliveries of previous vessels – Ted Diro, Rochus Lokinap, and Francis Agwi – in the years 2018, 2021, and 2021 respectively, Papua New Guinea now boasts an enhanced maritime capability, fortified by four Guardian-class Patrol Boats. These strategic additions significantly contribute to regional maritime security.
Elevated Marine Capabilities: The Guardian-class Profile
Sporting an enhanced mission capability and a faster speed compared to the predecessor Pacific-class patrol boats, these Guardian-class boats elevate maritime security standards. Key enhancements like improved amenities, superior seakeeping, and an integrated RHIB stern launch and recovery system provide Papua New Guinea with robust naval capabilities to carry out border patrols, regional policing, search and rescue, and various other domestic and international operations.
Sustaining Maritime Excellence: Austal Australia’s Legacy
The Pacific Patrol Boat Replacement Project was awarded to Austal Australia in May 2016, presenting more contract options in subsequent years, specifically in April 2018 and November 2022. The project, currently valued at over A$350 million, boasts the construction of 22 vessels in total.
With sustainability at heart, Austal Australia has been successful in designing, constructing, and sustaining the 39.5-meter steel monohull patrol boat. The boat mirrors a proven design platform also seen in the 38-meter Bay-class, 56-meter Armidale-class, and 58-meter Cape-class patrol boats, all of which majestically serve the Australian Border Force and the Royal Australian Navy.
