Australia commissions Austal patrol boat

May 3 (UPI) -- The first of two Cape-class patrol boats designed, built and delivered to the Royal Australian Navy by Austal is now in service.

Austal says the ADV Fourcroy was officially named in a recent ceremony at a base in Western Australia.

"Austal is delighted to deliver Cape Fourcroy, the first of two Cape-class patrol boats for the Royal Australian Navy, and we look forward to completing this current contract with the on-time, on-budget delivery of Cape Inscription later this month," Austal Head of Design Gordon Blaauw said in a press release.

"We're exceptionally proud of the proven Cape-class platform, which has set a new benchmark in patrol boat design and operability. These Austal-designed and built vessels are helping secure and protect Australia's extensive maritime borders, with eight operated by the Australian Border Force and two to be operated by the RAN."

The vessel was constructed under a $47.4 million contract from the Australian government.

The vessel is about 190.2 feet long, has a top speed of 26 knots and an operational range of up to 4,000 nautical miles.

Austal is currently bidding with German designer Fassmer to design and build 12 new Offshore Patrol Vessels for the Australian Navy.